Brieflands

History

The company was first founded by Seyyed M. Miri and Seyed-M Alavian as an editorial group in a Medical Institute in 2007 to publish its medical journal. After three years of experience, the number of journals increased to 5 journals, and the company launched its first form of business as a VOF (collaboration) professional STM company in Heerlen, the Netherlands, which was called "Kowsarmedical Publishing." Respecting the publishing services (from submission to publishing), especially an in-house "Journal Management System," our journals increased to more than 60 STM journals between 2010 and 2019. Since 2022, "Brieflands" is the new brand name that acts as a "Science, Technical, Medical Publisher" that publishes more than 50 journals with the services provided by 97 expert employees in three different branches.


Business Profile

  • Brieflands is a Registered Trademark with record number 1454012.
  • Brieflands has been registered as a General partnership (Vennootschap onder firma) company in the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel) of the Netherlands since 2010.
  • Nedmedica is our related company which is specialized in Author Services. 
  • Our former branding name was Kowsarmedical Publishing (2010-2021).
 

Recent Submissions

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Investigating the Effects of Cholesterol and Lipid Purity on Phospholipid Stability in Liposomal Nanocarriers Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations
(Brieflands, 2025-12-31) Zahra Asvar; Ghazal Nowroozi; Parvin Jalali; Shokoufeh Rahmani; Sajad Moradi
Background: Liposomal nanocarriers are widely used in drug delivery due to their biocompatibility, ability to encapsulate therapeutic agents, and potential for functionalization. However, the stability of functionalized liposomes is crucial for their efficacy; detachment of functionalized phospholipids and targeting ligands can reduce their targeting efficiency and therapeutic payload delivery. Objectives: In this study, we employed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how the material composition of the liposomal membrane affects lipid binding within liposomes, with a focus on cholesterol addition and lipid purity. Methods: The study was conducted using the GROMACS package, utilizing the umbrella sampling method. Results: Potential of mean force (PMF) analysis revealed that both the addition of cholesterol and other phospholipids into the formulation have a negative effect on lipid stabilization in the bilayer membrane. The results also indicated that the presence of cholesterol in the membrane causes a greater decrease in the binding energy of lipids compared to that of other phospholipids. Conclusions: These findings offer insights into designing stable and effective targeted liposomal drug delivery systems.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis of Virchow-Robin Space Characteristics in Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study
(Brieflands, 2025-04-30) Ziba Mohammadalizade; Hamid Golmohammadi; Elham Khanlarzadeh; Ziba Mohammadalizade [0009-0001-7469-1575]; Hamid Golmohammadi [0000-0003-1654-0637]; Elham Khanlarzadeh [0000-0003-3265-4570]
Background: Virchow-Robin spaces (VRS) are perivascular spaces covered with soft tissue that extend from the subarachnoid space around the arteries and veins into the brain parenchyma. These spaces are involved in inflammatory processes in the brain. The VRS have been implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS), but their characteristics in MS patients are not well understood. This study investigated and compared the MRI features of VRS in MS patients and healthy controls. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the MRI features of VRS in patients with MS and those without MS. Patients and Methods: In this case-control study, 91 patients with MS and 91 individuals without MS (control group), all referred for brain MRI, were selected using available and consecutive sampling. The groups were compared based on the number, shape, and size of VRS. Standard MRI was performed using a SIEMENS MAGNETOM Avanto 1.5-Tesla scanner. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Statistical tests included the chi-square test, Student's t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Logistic regression was used to adjust for age and gender, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate model discrimination. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean number of VRS was 2.82 ± 3.22 in the case group and 0.67 ± 1.97 in the control group [P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55 - 1.09]. The ROC curve analysis showed an AUC of 0.7614 (95% CI: 0.697 - 0.82), indicating good diagnostic performance. Logistic regression revealed that the number of VRS [odds ratio (OR) = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.25 - 1.80, P = 0.001] and round-shaped VRS (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.54 - 2.94, P = 0.001) were significant predictors of MS. Conclusion: The number and shape of VRS on brain MRI were statistically associated with MS. These findings suggest potential diagnostic value. However, further prospective studies and high-resolution imaging are needed to confirm their clinical utility. The VRS may complement conventional biomarkers, such as white matter lesions (WMLs), in the evaluation of MS.
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Could the Utilization of Large Language Models Contribute to Magnetic Resonance Imaging Acquisition Protocols?
(Brieflands, 2025-04-30) Eren Çamur; Turay Cesur; Yusuf Öztürk; Mehmet Kutlu; Halil Karataş; Sadettin Emre Eroglu; Rıza Sarper Ökten; Semra Duran; Arzu Özsoy; Hatice Gül Hatipoglu; Eren Çamur [0000-0002-8774-5800]; Turay Cesur [0000-0002-2726-8045]; Yusuf Öztürk [0009-0009-6372-1845]; Mehmet Kutlu [0000-0002-5922-0169]; Halil Karataş [0009-0007-3858-555X]; Sadettin Emre Eroglu [0009-0008-2817-6565]; Rıza Sarper Ökten [0000-0002-4721-6357]; Semra Duran [0000-0003-0863-2443]; Arzu Özsoy [0000-0002-0367-4794]; Hatice Gül Hatipoglu [0000-0002-4231-3983]
Background: Large language models (LLMs) are increasingly integrated into radiology, offering potential benefits in workflow optimization and imaging study selection. The Turkish Society of Radiology published the "Turkish Society of Radiology 2018 Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography Acquisition Standards Guideline" (TSR-2018 MCASG) in 2018. This guideline covers sequence selection, patient positioning, scanning parameters, and specific sequence requirements. To our knowledge, no study has assessed the proficiency and knowledge of LLMs in determining magnetic resonance acquisitions and compared them to radiologists. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the performance of various LLMs in guiding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition protocols based on TSR-2018 MCASG and to compare their proficiency with radiologists across different experience levels. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, eight LLMs (including ChatGPT-4o models, ChatGPT-o1, Claude 3 Opus, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Gemini 1.5 Pro, Llama 3.1 405B, and Mistral Large 2) were assessed alongside radiologists ranging from junior residents to senior radiologists (SRs). A total of 105 open-ended questions (OEQs) and 105 case-based questions (CBQs) including different sections were prepared from TSR-2018 MCASG. Statistical analyses employed non-parametric tests, including the Kruskal - Wallis test with Tamhane’s T2 post hoc comparisons and McNemar’s test, with a Bonferroni-adjusted significance threshold set at P < 0.0004. Results: Claude 3.5 Sonnet emerged as the standout performer, achieving a mean Likert score of 3.51 ± 0.54 in OEQs and an impressive 83.8% accuracy in CBQs, outperforming other LLMs and radiology residents (P < 0.0004). While SRs demonstrated strong performance, Claude 3.5 Sonnet outperformed them in both OEQs and CBQs. Furthermore, LLMs have demonstrated competitive performance with junior radiologists (JRs) in both OEQs and CBQs. Conclusion: Our findings herald a transformative era in radiology, with Claude 3.5 Sonnet leading the vanguard in MRI sequence selection and their contribution to MRI acquisitions. The LLMs can make an important contribution as supportive tools for MRI acquisition optimization.
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Low-Dose Celastrol Modulates IL-6 Secretion to Overcome Resistance to Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
(Brieflands, 2025-12-31) Rui Zhang; Lingchun Kong; Hezhao Zhang; Anhong Zhang; Zhiyong Shi; Pei Wei; Rui Zhang [0000-0002-1078-1467]; Pei Wei [0000-0003-3245-0033]
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with sorafenib being a key treatment option. However, resistance to sorafenib often develops, limiting its effectiveness. Celastrol, a phytochemical derived from Tripterygium wilfordii, has shown potential in enhancing anti-tumor drug efficacy, but concerns about toxicity and clinical applicability remain. Objectives: This study investigated whether celastrol at plasma-achievable concentrations could modulate sorafenib resistance in HCC cells in-vitro. Methods: Cytotoxicity experiments were conducted using MTT assays to assess the effects of celastrol and sorafenib on HCC cells and normal hepatocytes. Immunofluorescence (IF) and ELISA assays were employed to measure IL-6 expression and secretion in HCC cells. Bioinformatics analyses were performed on publicly available gene expression data to identify pathways associated with sorafenib resistance. Conditioned media (CM) from treated cells were used to evaluate the impact of celastrol on sorafenib sensitivity in untreated HCC cells. Results: High concentrations of celastrol enhanced sorafenib’s inhibitory effects on HCC cells but also increased cytotoxicity in normal hepatocytes. Low concentrations of celastrol mitigated sorafenib-induced tumor cell inhibition but reversed acquired sorafenib resistance without increasing cytotoxicity in normal hepatocytes. The reversal of resistance by low-dose celastrol was associated with the inhibition of sorafenib-induced IL-6 secretion. The CM from tumor cells treated with low-dose celastrol plus sorafenib increased the sensitivity of untreated tumor cells to sorafenib, an effect reversed by the addition of exogenous IL-6 or by using IL-6-neutralizing antibodies. Conclusions: Low-dose celastrol can reverse sorafenib resistance in HCC cells by inhibiting sorafenib-induced IL-6 secretion, without increasing hepatotoxicity.
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Molecular Study of Wound Healing Activity of Quercus brantii (Persian Oak) Fruit Extract in the Presence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
(Brieflands, 2025-11-30) Rezvan Naranjzade; Mahnaz Kesmati; Maryam Naderi Soorki; Behnaz Andashti; Mehran Dorostghoal; Rezvan Naranjzade [0009-0000-0098-1716]; Mahnaz Kesmati [0000-0002-0168-6441]; Maryam Naderi Soorki [0000-0003-1477-013X]; Behnaz Andashti [0000-0003-2046-9191]; Mehran Dorostghoal [0000-0003-1182-9685]
Background: The wound-healing process is complex and involves many genes responsible for various stages. Investigating the expression of these genes can provide valuable insights into the efficacy of different wound-healing strategies, including herbal materials and nanoparticles. Objectives: In this study, the molecular effects of Quercus brantii (Persian Oak) extract and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were assessed on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) transcripts in the wound healing process. Methods: Excision model wounds on the backs of 48 adult male mice were treated with ointments including Oak extract (1%, 5%, and 20%) and ZnO NPs (0.1%) for 14 days. Changes in the expression of the VEGF and MMP2 genes were analyzed using real‑time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The results showed that Oak extract significantly increased the expression of VEGF and MMP2 transcripts in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Also, ZnO NPs at a dose of 0.1% significantly increased the expression of VEGF and MMP2 genes. The ZnO NPs did not significantly change the effect of Oak extract on target gene expression in the skin wounds treated with Oak extract 1.0% plus ZnO NPs 0.1%. Conclusions: According to the above results, it seems that part of the wound healing effects of Oak extract and ZnO NPs overlap and occur through increasing the expression of VEGF and MMP2 genes. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the combination of these two drugs and their clinical use, it is necessary to investigate other factors affecting wound healing.