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

Item
Comparison of Esophagography and Chest Computed Tomography and the Prognostic Value of Inflammatory Markers for Detecting Anastomotic Leakage After Esophageal Resection
(Brieflands, 2026-03-31) Seyed Hosein Mirjavadi; Mohadese Estaji; Soheila Koopaee; Farideh Pak; Amirmohsen Jalaeefar; Elahe Jazayeri Gharehbagh; Soheila Koopaee [0000-0002-0883-438X]
Background: Esophageal cancer poses substantial treatment challenges, particularly when esophagectomy is required. Despite advances in multimodality therapy, esophagectomy remains the primary curative approach. Anastomotic leakage (AL) after esophagectomy is associated with mortality rates of up to 40%–60%. Therefore, timely detection and intervention are essential to mitigate adverse outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the gold standard for assessing AL after esophageal resection. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Imam Khomeini Complex Hospital, Tehran, Iran. From May to December 2022, a total of 46 patients who underwent esophageal or gastric resection for cancer were enrolled. Patients were evaluated using esophagography, chest computed tomography (CT), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on postoperative days (within 30 days, as the gold standard of care), and clinical signs. Thirty patients underwent postoperative radiographic examination using a water-soluble contrast medium, and 16 underwent chest CT with oral and intravenous contrast medium during the same period. CRP levels were measured in all patients on the day of esophagography or chest CT. Results: Ten patients exhibited clinical signs of leakage. Among the 30 patients who underwent radiographic examination, 27 (90%) had normal findings and 3 (10%) had AL, whereas clinical signs of AL were present in 10 patients (33.3%). Among the 16 patients who underwent chest CT, 9 (56.3%) had normal findings and 7 (43.8%) had AL. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of radiographic examination were 30%, 100%, and 71.43%, respectively, compared with 71.43%, 66.67%, and 68.75%, respectively, for chest CT. The chi-square test showed no association between CRP levels and clinical signs of leakage (P = 0.771). Conclusions: Esophagography demonstrated lower sensitivity than CT, although its accuracy was higher, indicating that both methods can be used to evaluate patients with clinical signs of AL. C-reactive protein levels were not associated with AL.
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Effects of Self-management Interventions on Diabetic Kidney Disease Progression and Related Health Behaviors in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
(Brieflands, 2026-09-30) Dongmei CHU; Bingyang Liu; Kim Lam Soh; Hasni Idayu Saidi; Salimah Japar; Dongmei CHU [0009-0000-6045-6067]; Bingyang Liu [0000-0002-1930-5141]; Kim Lam Soh [0000-0003-2404-828X]; Salimah Japar [0000-0001-9609-028X]
Context: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a common complication of diabetes, affects approximately 20%-40% of patients with diabetes and may progress to end-stage renal disease if not appropriately managed. Modifiable factors influencing DKD progression can be addressed through self-management. However, the effects of self-management interventions on clinical outcomes and self-care behaviors remain unclear. This systematic review evaluated the evidence on the impact of self-management interventions on DKD progression and related health behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Evidence Acquisition: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Nine databases and one trial register were searched from inception to August 2025 for English- and Chinese-language studies of any design that evaluated self-management interventions targeting DKD progression. Three reviewers independently screened studies and assessed eligibility. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tools, and data were extracted using a standardized form. Results: Twelve studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Nine studies reported improvements in glycemic control, and four reported improvements in renal function. Evidence regarding blood pressure, lipid profiles, and weight-related outcomes varied across studies. Eight studies reported improved self-management behaviors, and three reported improved self-efficacy. In addition, five studies suggested potential benefits for quality of life and mental health outcomes. Overall, the included studies suggested that self-management interventions may provide multidimensional benefits for patients with T2DM and DKD or those at high risk of DKD.
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Perceived Effectiveness of Paper and Electronic Logbooks Among Clinical-Year Medical Students in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Multi-University Cross-sectional Mixed-Methods Study
(Brieflands, 2026-12-31) Kochr Ali Mahmood; Dawan Jamal Hawezy; Rena Sherko Ismeil; Saz Supa Rafiq; Kochr Ali Mahmood [0000-0002-6337-9199]; Dawan Jamal Hawezy [0000-0002-4945-5634]
Background: Logbooks are widely used in medical education to bridge theoretical and clinical learning. Although their effectiveness is well documented internationally, evidence from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq remains limited. Objectives: This study evaluated the effectiveness of paper and electronic logbooks among medical students enrolled at universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and identified factors influencing their satisfaction with and acceptance of logbooks. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among 210 medical students from seven universities in the Kurdistan Region during the 2024 - 2025 academic year. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, logbook characteristics, perceived benefits, challenges, and satisfaction. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, whereas qualitative responses were analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis to identify recurring themes related to perceived benefits, challenges, and suggested improvements. Results: Most participants (63.8%) reported maintaining their logbooks regularly, and nearly half (47.1%) found the templates clear. Logbooks were perceived by 63.8% of students to support learning, particularly for monitoring clinical skills (73.3%) and improving patient interaction (58.6%). Ordinal logistic regression showed that regular logbook use (β = 0.98, P = 0.002) and template clarity (β = 1.04, P < 0.001) were strong positive predictors of satisfaction, whereas unclear guidelines (β = -0.66, P = 0.025) and difficulty recalling details (β = -0.68, P = 0.026) were associated with lower satisfaction. Binary logistic regression indicated institutional differences, with students from Hawler Medical University being significantly less likely to recommend logbooks (OR = 0.15, P = 0.013). Qualitative findings identified themes of improved clinical confidence, enhanced communication skills, and reflective learning, whereas negative perceptions focused on bureaucratic burden and unclear expectations. Conclusions: Logbooks enhance clinical learning, confidence, and reflective practice; however, their effectiveness is limited by time constraints and unclear guidelines. Standardization, faculty engagement, and transitioning to electronic formats are recommended to maximize their educational value in medical training across the Kurdistan Region.
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Twenty-Year Trends in HBsAg Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among Blood Donors in Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran (2005 - 2024)
(Brieflands, 2026-12-31) Abolhasan Safdari; Alireza Ansari Moghaddam; Soheila Khosravi; Mahdi Zarourati; Abolhasan Safdari [0000-0001-6793-1596]; Alireza Ansari Moghaddam [0000-0002-3267-7193]; Soheila Khosravi [0000-0002-1820-850X]; Mahdi Zarourati [0009-0008-9749-6466]
Background: Long-term surveillance of transfusion-transmitted infections is essential, particularly in border regions. Objectives: This study analyzed 20-year trends in hepatitis B virus (HBV) seroprevalence and associated risk factors among blood donors in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran, from 2005 to 2024. Methods: This retrospective analysis included 935,864 blood donors. Screening methods evolved from manual enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; 2005 - 2009) to automated ELISA beginning in 2009, chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) beginning in 2019, and nucleic acid testing (NAT) beginning in 2024. A nested case-control study of 300 HBsAg-positive and 300 HBsAg-negative donors was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The overall HBsAg seroprevalence was 0.634% (5,930/935,864). Annual prevalence declined from 2.039% in 2005 to 0.189% in 2024 (relative reduction > 90%; P < 0.001), reaching a minimum of 0.019% in 2019. First-time donors had a higher prevalence than repeat donors (1.861% vs 0.021%; P < 0.001). Independent risk factors included household contact with an HBV-infected person (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 54.5), drug abuse (aOR = 19.4), a history of jaundice (aOR = 8.1), and knife wounds (aOR = 7.3). Higher education was a protective factor. Conclusions: HBsAg seroprevalence decreased by more than 90% over two decades, reflecting the success of national vaccination and donor-selection strategies. Expanding the repeat-donor pool and maintaining NAT are essential for further improving blood safety.
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Preclinical Medical Students' Perceptions of Integrated Practical Examinations in a Resource-Limited Setting
(Brieflands, 2026-06-30) Dawan Jamal Hawezy; Vyan Asad Qadir; Bnar Jalal Muhammad; Gasheen Abdulwahid Hawezy; Chya A. Bakr; Sarwar Ali Abdulraheem; Mohammed Safin Jalal; Zanyar Wali Mahmood; Dawan Jamal Hawezy [0000-0002-4945-5634]; Vyan Asad Qadir [0000-0003-1346-1722]; Bnar Jalal Muhammad [0000-0002-4357-7921]; Gasheen Abdulwahid Hawezy [0000-0002-6393-2935]; Chya A. Bakr [0009-0005-4014-0096]
Background: Research on the use of structured assessments, such as the Integrated Practical Examination (IPE), in medical education in resource-limited settings remains limited, despite their crucial role in developing competencies. Little is known about the impact of IPEs on preclinical medical students in Iraq, particularly given the challenges posed by staffing and infrastructure constraints in this setting. Objectives: This study examined the perspectives of preclinical medical students toward IPE at Koya University, Iraq, with emphasis on its educational and psychological effects. Methods: First- and second-year medical students (n = 211) enrolled in a 2024 - 2025 IPE assessment were evaluated in a cross-sectional mixed-methods study. In the quantitative phase, a validated questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.74) was used to measure perceptions of organization, fairness, stress, and skill relevance. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t tests, and chi-square tests. In the qualitative phase, free-text responses were collected using an open-ended question and analyzed thematically to capture students' perspectives. Results: Overall, students rated the IPE program highly, particularly with respect to staff helpfulness, organization, and clarity of directions. Second-year students reported significantly lower stress than first-year students (P = 0.032). Students preparing for foreign licensing examinations reported greater stress before the test (P = 0.0028) but rated the program's skill coverage more highly (P = 0.047). Qualitative analysis identified overarching themes highlighting key areas for improvement, particularly time limitations, station authenticity, and infrastructural inadequacies. Conclusions: The IPE was not merely an academic assessment; it also educated students about health, enhanced their resilience, improved their communication skills, and increased their awareness of health issues. Strengthening logistical support and optimizing station design could further improve the effectiveness of the IPE as a learning tool in resource-limited settings.