Dr. Brownlee's research primarily investigates the safety and efficacy of medical treatments and procedures, particularly in the fields of cardiology and nephrology. He has explored methods for initiating cardiopulmonary bypass during heart surgery, examining how different techniques can impact patient outcomes. Additionally, he studies how toxic substances like mercury affect kidney cells, providing insights that can lead to better prevention strategies for exposure. He also delves into the disparities in cancer diagnosis and outcomes among Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, emphasizing the need for tailored healthcare approaches.
Key findings
In his study on cardiopulmonary bypass, Dr. Brownlee identified that using a dry system leads to more gaseous microemboli, highlighting risks for patients during surgery.
Research on mercury and kidney cells found that increasing metallothionein levels through zinc supplements can significantly reduce kidney toxicity from mercury exposure.
His work on esophageal cancer showed that Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander patients are diagnosed more frequently with advanced-stage cancer, indicating a need for targeted treatment plans.
In analyzing opioid prescriptions prior to heroin overdoses, it was revealed that 42.3% of adults had received an opioid prescription in the year leading to their overdose, suggesting a connection between prescription practices and substance abuse.
After Medicare expanded benzodiazepine coverage, fall-related injuries among seniors rose by 0.12, indicating increased risks associated with these medications in older adults.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Brownlee study heart surgery techniques?
Yes, he studies methods for initiating cardiopulmonary bypass during heart surgeries to improve patient safety.
What impact does mercury exposure have on the kidneys?
Dr. Brownlee's research shows that mercury can enter kidney cells and cause serious damage, but increasing levels of a protective protein can help reduce this toxicity.
Is Dr. Brownlee's work relevant to opioid use and addiction?
Yes, his research investigates the relationship between opioid prescriptions and heroin overdoses, which is essential for understanding addiction risks.
What does Dr. Brownlee find about cancer in Asian American populations?
He highlights significant disparities in esophageal cancer among Asian American and Pacific Islander groups, with some subpopulations experiencing worse outcomes than others.
How does benzodiazepine use affect older patients?
Dr. Brownlee's research indicates that after benzodiazepines were covered by Medicare, there was a notable increase in fall-related injuries and overdoses among seniors.
Publications in plain English
Disaggregating Asian American and Pacific Islander Subpopulations in Esophageal Cancer: Stage, Histology, and Survival.
2026
Annals of surgical oncology
Doss SM, Kapoor V, Brownlee R, Guy L, Milgrom D +3 more
Plain English This study looked at the differences in esophageal cancer (EC) among various Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) groups, rather than treating them as a single group. Researchers found that AAPI patients were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer and squamous cell carcinoma, with Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander groups showing the highest risks. The survival rates varied widely: while Vietnamese patients had poorer 3-year survival rates, Chinese and Korean patients fared better.
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and public health officials by highlighting the need for tailored treatments and interventions for different AAPI patient groups.
Plain English Researchers studied how specific mercury and cyanide compounds enter kidney cells, which can lead to serious health risks from contaminated food or water. They found that a transporter protein called OAT1 is responsible for bringing these toxic compounds into kidney cells. This is important because it helps us understand how mercury exposure occurs in the body, which can inform better prevention and treatment strategies.
Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of mercury exposure and healthcare providers looking to mitigate its effects.
Initiating cardiopulmonary bypass using a dry venous line: implications and analysis.
2026
The journal of extra-corporeal technology
Benedict T, Brownlee R, Foley C, Hoyer N, Dell'Aiera L +2 more
Plain English This study looked at a method for starting a heart-lung machine during heart surgery using a "dry" system instead of one filled with fluid. Researchers found that using a dry system with higher vacuum pressures led to more tiny bubbles called gaseous microemboli, which can be harmful, compared to the traditional method. This is important because it highlights the need to improve how we start these machines to keep patients safer during surgery.
Who this helps: Patients undergoing heart surgery.
Wenk EH, Sauquet H, Gallagher RV, Brownlee R, Boettiger C +22 more
Plain English This research introduced the AusTraits Plant Dictionary (APD), which creates clear and consistent definitions for plant traits. The dictionary helps researchers confidently use and combine data from various plant databases, which is essential for deeper research. By providing detailed information, including keywords and references, the APD improves how plant data is accessed and used worldwide.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists studying plant traits.
Proximal tubular transport of Metallothionein-Mercury complexes and protection against nephrotoxicity.
2023
Current research in toxicology
Dave A, Joshee L, Barfuss DW, Brownlee R, Surani R +6 more
Plain English This study looked at how a protein called metallothionein (MT) binds to mercury in the body and protects the kidneys from damage caused by mercury exposure. Researchers found that giving zinc to rats increased the levels of MT, which helped reduce kidney toxicity from mercury, especially when given higher doses. Specifically, higher MT levels improved the kidney's ability to handle mercury and protected against harmful effects.
Who this helps: This helps patients who are at risk of mercury exposure and healthcare providers looking for ways to reduce kidney damage.
Association of Medicare Part D Benzodiazepine Coverage Expansion With Changes in Fall-Related Injuries and Overdoses Among Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries.
2020
JAMA network open
Maust DT, Lin LA, Goldstick JE, Haffajee RL, Brownlee R +1 more
Plain English This study looked at what happened after Medicare started covering benzodiazepines, medications often prescribed for anxiety and sleep issues, in 2013. Researchers found that after the coverage began, older adults on Medicare Advantage experienced a significant increase in fall-related injuries and overdoses. For example, among those aged 80 and older, the rate of fall-related injuries rose by 0.12 while it decreased in the comparison group, and overdose rates increased by 0.23 in younger seniors (65-69) compared to only 0.02 in the comparison group.
Who this helps: This research helps policymakers, healthcare providers, and older patients who need to understand the risks associated with benzodiazepine use.
Opioid prescribing history prior to heroin overdose among commercially insured adults.
2020
Drug and alcohol dependence
Lagisetty P, Zhang K, Haffajee RL, Lin LA, Goldstick J +3 more
Plain English This study looked at adults who overdosed on heroin to see if their history with prescription opioids, particularly long-term use and any discontinuation, might have influenced their heroin use. Researchers found that 42.3% had received an opioid prescription in the year before their overdose, but only 12.8% were on long-term opioid therapy. The results indicate that most people who overdosed were not on long-term opioids or had recently stopped taking them, especially younger adults, raising concerns about the link between prescription practices and heroin overdoses.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and policymakers understand the risks of prescribing opioids and their potential connection to heroin use.
Provocative sensory testing in carpal tunnel syndrome.
1992
Journal of hand surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Novak CB, Mackinnon SE, Brownlee R, Kelly L
Plain English This study looked at how well three different tests can help diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, which happens when nerves in the wrist are compressed. Researchers reviewed data from 158 patients and found that 77% showed at least one sign of the condition. They discovered that two of the tests were often positive together, while one test was typically positive only in more severe cases of nerve compression. This matters because understanding the relationship between these tests and the severity of the condition can help doctors make better diagnoses and treatment plans.
Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Preparation of lipid emulsions by pressure extrusion.
1990
Biochemistry international
Drew J, Liodakis A, Chan R, Du H, Sadek M +2 more
Plain English Researchers studied how to make lipid emulsions, which are mixtures of fats, by pushing them through special filters. After doing this multiple times, they found that the tiny particles in the emulsions shrank to a stable size of about 130-150 nanometers after four passes. This method also helped recover more cholesterol and similar fats when the emulsion was treated with sound waves before filtering.
Who this helps: This benefits patients needing better lipid-based medications.
Phase II study of hexamethylmelamine for disseminated prostatic carcinoma.
1981
Cancer clinical trials
Drelichman A, Brownlee R, Al-Sarraf M
Plain English This study tested a drug called hexamethylmelamine on 15 patients with widespread prostate cancer to see if it could help their condition. The treatment did not show any significant effectiveness, as only one patient responded positively, while seven others only maintained stable disease. However, many patients experienced side effects, like nausea and vomiting, with 80% affected, leading to treatment discontinuation for one person.
Who this helps: This information is important for doctors and patients with prostate cancer, helping them understand the potential effectiveness and side effects of hexamethylmelamine.