Craig B Thompson

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This study looked at how an HIV testing program called Taking It to the Pews (TIPS), which is tailored for African American churches, influenced people getting tested for HIV. Researchers found that churches using TIPS conducted 339 tests compared to just 132 tests in other churches, and 38% of people in TIPS churches reported getting tested, versus 34% in control churches. This is important because it shows that engaging faith communities in public health initiatives can lead to more people getting tested for HIV, which can help in managing and reducing the spread of the virus. Who this helps: Patients and their families within African American communities.

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This study looked at a key enzyme called deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), which is important for cancer cells to repair their DNA and survive under stress. Researchers found that mutations like BRCA2 loss or p53 mutations make tumors more reliant on this enzyme, increasing their vulnerability. They focused on a new drug called TRE-515 that inhibits dCK, showing promise as a treatment, and discussed ways to track its effectiveness using blood tests and imaging. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients, especially those with specific genetic mutations.

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This research paper looks at L-arginine, an amino acid that is crucial for processing nitrogen in the body and supports various important functions like energy management and signaling. The study highlights that many human cells can't produce enough arginine on their own, so we rely on our diets for it, especially during times of stress. Not having enough arginine can affect how diseases progress, which makes understanding its role vital for health. Who this helps: This findings benefit patients and doctors, especially in managing conditions linked to nitrogen metabolism and stress responses.

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This study looked at how fructose, a sugar found in many western diets, affects the body's immune response against tumors. Researchers found that immune cells engineered to express a specific fructose transporter, called GLUT5, performed better in fighting tumors, especially when there was not much glucose available. For instance, these GLUT5-expressing immune cells showed enhanced anti-tumor effects in animal models when fructose was supplied, suggesting that boosting the use of fructose can help improve cancer treatments. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients by potentially improving the effectiveness of immune therapies.

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This study focused on creating specific deletions in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in human cells to better understand mitochondrial myopathies, which are diseases related to energy production problems in cells. The researchers discovered that when about 75% of the mtDNA was deleted, the cells experienced significant energy production issues and growth problems, highlighting a critical point at which cell health declines. This research is important because it provides a new way to model mtDNA-related diseases, which could lead to improved treatments. Who this helps: Patients with mitochondrial myopathies and related conditions.

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This study looked at the differences between normal liver cells and liver cancer cells, specifically focusing on two proteins, VDAC2 and Bak. Researchers found that liver cancer cells have more of these proteins, making them vulnerable to certain treatments, while healthy liver cells are not affected. This is important because it means that specific therapies can target liver cancer effectively without harming normal liver tissue. Who this helps: Patients with liver cancer will benefit from these targeted treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how a church-based program called "Taking It to the Pews" (TIPS) affected feelings about HIV and awareness of the virus among African American churchgoers. Over 12 months and involving 1,491 participants from 14 churches, the study found that while TIPS did not reduce feelings of discomfort or overall stigma related to HIV, it did lead to increased knowledge about HIV among those who participated. This matters because reducing stigma and increasing awareness can help more people get tested for HIV and support those living with the virus, ultimately improving health outcomes in the community. Who this helps: This helps patients and church communities by fostering a better understanding of HIV.

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This study looked at how certain molecules in the energy production process of cells influence how they develop during tissue healing, particularly in the intestine. Researchers found that a key enzyme called OGDH behaves differently depending on the type of cell: it supports nutrient-absorbing cells while being reduced in cells that produce secretions. In tests with mouse models experiencing intestinal inflammation, blocking OGDH or adding the molecule alpha-ketoglutarate improved the formation of secretory cells and helped their tissue recover. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with intestinal disorders, especially those needing tissue repair and regeneration.

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This study focused on how the arrangement and size of branches in comb-like polymers affect their behavior in very dilute solutions. Researchers found that when the branches are closer together and longer, the properties of the polymer change in specific ways; for instance, the radius of gyration, which describes how spread out the polymer is, decreases. This is important because understanding these relationships can help in designing better materials for various applications. Who this helps: This benefits scientists and engineers working on polymer development and manufacturing.

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This study looked at how cancer cells change their metabolism to support continual growth and division. Researchers found that cancer cells have specific genetic changes that keep them in a constant state of growth by allowing them to take in and use nutrients more efficiently. This matters because understanding how cancer cells manipulate their metabolism can help develop new treatments to target these growth mechanisms. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer by potentially leading to more effective therapies.

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This study looked at how brain bleeds (intracerebral hemorrhage) change in size before and after minimally invasive surgery in 640 patients. They found that about 34% of patients had their bleed expand by more than 6 mL before surgery, with two-thirds of these bleeds stabilizing within 12 hours and most within 24 hours. This information is important because it suggests that there is a good chance to effectively treat large brain bleeds if surgery is done quickly enough. Who this helps: Patients with large brain bleeds who require surgical intervention.

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This study focused on developing a method to create specific deletions in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) within human cells, which is important for understanding diseases related to mtDNA damage. The researchers successfully created cell lines with a deletion of about 3.5 kilobases and found that when about 75% of the mtDNA was deleted, the cells showed significant problems, including impaired growth and disruption of energy production. This work is essential because it establishes resources for studying the effects of mtDNA deletions on health and developing new treatments for diseases caused by such genetic issues. Who this helps: Patients with mitochondrial diseases and researchers studying genetic disorders.

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This study investigated how mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells, manage their resources to support different processes based on the cell's energy needs. Researchers found that when cells require more energy, a key enzyme for producing certain compounds (proline and ornithine) gets concentrated in specific mitochondria that do not generate energy. This separation is crucial because if these mitochondria fail to divide and share their functions properly, the cell must choose between producing energy or creating important compounds, which can affect its growth and health. Who this helps: This helps patients by revealing insights that could lead to better treatments for conditions where energy production and nutrient usage are disrupted.

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This study looked at a tool called the Painful Periods Screening Tool (PPST) to see if it helps people with pelvic pain talk to their healthcare providers. Out of 1,000 participants, 82.9% reported having severe pain during their menstrual period, and 91.5% felt that the PPST would help them discuss their pain with their doctors. The research shows that using the PPST makes patients more comfortable discussing their symptoms, which could lead to better care for conditions like endometriosis. Who this helps: This helps patients who experience pelvic pain, especially women dealing with menstrual symptoms.

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This study looked at HIV-related stigma among African American church members in Kansas City, focusing on how knowing someone with HIV affects people's feelings and attitudes. They found that of 1,448 participants, those who knew someone with HIV felt less discomfort interacting with people living with the virus, though this knowledge did not change their feelings about potential rejection. Reducing this stigma is important because it can improve the support and treatment that individuals with HIV receive. Who this helps: This helps patients living with HIV and the communities that support them.

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This study looked at how low oxygen levels (hypoxia) in pancreatic cancer tumors affect certain supporting cells called cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which come in different types. The researchers found that in hypoxic areas of pancreatic tumors, a specific type of fibroblast that promotes inflammation (iCAFs) was more prevalent, while another type (myCAFs) was not found there. They discovered that hypoxia encourages these inflammatory fibroblasts to thrive and promotes tumor growth, which is crucial for understanding how to target these cells in treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with pancreatic cancer by potentially leading to better treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how the body detects tissue injury and activates repair mechanisms, separate from how it fights infections. Researchers found that interleukin-24 (IL-24), a substance involved in healing, is mainly produced by skin cells after an injury and is crucial for wound healing; without it, mice showed slower healing and less tissue regeneration. This is important because understanding this process can lead to better treatments for injuries and conditions that affect skin healing. Who this helps: This helps patients with skin injuries or wounds, especially those with healing issues.

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Researchers studied how a protein called emerin affects lung cells called fibroblasts during their growth. They found that when the levels of emerin were lowered, these cells could not properly change shape or align their structures in response to stretching, leading to unusual cell shapes and organization. This matters because it shows that emerin is important for the cells to maintain their structure and function during lung development, which could impact how the lungs grow and function before birth. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those with lung development issues or related conditions during pregnancy.

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This study focused on tumors with specific genetic mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDH1 and IDH2) that produce a compound called 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). Researchers found that these mutations cause problems with DNA replication, leading to increased stress and breaks in the DNA, although the overall mutation rate in these tumors doesn't significantly rise. These results highlight the potential for using PARP inhibitors, a type of cancer treatment that affects DNA repair, as a promising option for patients with IDH-mutant tumors. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with IDH-mutant cancers by identifying a new possible treatment approach.

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Researchers studied how lactate, previously viewed as waste in cells, affects energy production in the mitochondria. They discovered that lactate can enter mitochondria and boost their energy output without needing to be broken down, leading to a significant 25% increase in energy production while decreasing reliance on glucose. This finding is important because it shows that lactate plays a vital role in energy regulation, especially in cells like cancer cells and immune T cells, which can improve their function and growth. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cancer and immune disorders by potentially improving treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how lactate, often seen as a waste product, actually helps boost the activity of the energy-producing part of cells, called the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). The researchers discovered that both forms of lactate (L-lactate and D-lactate) can increase ATP production without needing to be broken down first. This process reduced the reliance on glucose for energy in both cancer cells and normal cells, which could be important for improving cell function and growth. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer and those who need better energy support for their cells.

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This study looked at how cells handle amino acids, particularly leucine, when there is a lack of nutrients, like during starvation. The researchers found that when cells are starved, they store more leucine in lysosomes, which are small compartments within cells, with a process that needs specific proteins to work. This storage helps the cells use leucine for making proteins, but inhibiting protein production can release these stores. Why this matters: Understanding how cells manage amino acids during stress could improve our knowledge of cellular health and disease, potentially aiding treatments for various conditions. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on nutritional therapies and conditions related to nutrient deficiencies.

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This study examines how cancer cells manage their energy use and growth despite limited resources in their environment. Researchers found that cancer cells adapt their metabolism in various ways, influencing not just their own growth but also the behavior of nearby healthy cells. Understanding these metabolic changes is crucial because it can lead to new approaches for treating cancer more effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients by providing insights that could lead to better cancer therapies.

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This study looked at how liver cancer affects the body's ability to process fructose, a type of sugar. Researchers found that a key enzyme, ketohexokinase (KHK), which helps break down fructose, is significantly reduced in liver cancer cells, leading to problems in the metabolism of this sugar. They developed a new imaging method that can identify this metabolic change, which could help track liver cancer progression. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver cancer and their doctors by providing a potential new way to monitor the disease.

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This study looked at how a specific genetic defect that affects the heart's ability to process long-chain fatty acids impacts its health. Researchers found that this defect led to changes in the heart's metabolism, particularly in amino acids, and activated stress responses that are meant to protect cells but can also cause problems. For example, they noted a significant reduction in the ability to use certain amino acids, like glutamine, which is critical for heart function. Who this helps: This benefits patients with genetic heart conditions related to fatty acid metabolism.

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This research studied how glutamine, an important nutrient for rapidly growing cells like cancer cells, is used in the body. The scientists developed a special form of glutamine that helps track its use through advanced imaging techniques, finding that a particular version ([5-13C,4,4-2H2,5-15N]-L-glutamine) was best at measuring how glutamine is turned into another substance called glutamate. This advancement is important because it allows doctors to better understand cancer's metabolism and evaluate treatments that target these metabolic processes. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and doctors by improving how we monitor and treat metabolic aspects of tumors.

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This study looked at mutations in a protein called mTOR, which helps control cell growth, especially in cancer cells. Researchers found that while these mutations generally make cells grow faster when nutrients are plentiful, they actually harm cell survival when nutrients are scarce. This is important because it explains why these mTOR mutations are not commonly found in most cancers and why treatments targeting mTOR often don’t work well. Who this helps: This helps cancer researchers and doctors understand better how to treat tumors, especially in nutrient-poor conditions.

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This study focused on increasing COVID-19 testing in African American communities by partnering with local churches in Kansas City, Missouri. The research found that over 300 COVID-19 tests were conducted during church services and community outreach, thanks to trained church leaders promoting testing. This initiative is important because it helps reduce health disparities by making testing more accessible to those who might not otherwise get it. Who this helps: This benefits African American church members and their communities.

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This study looked at how taste changes affect eating in patients with head and neck cancer after they receive radiation therapy. Researchers tested the ability to taste and collected feedback from both doctors and patients over several months. They found that patients reported more problems with taste than what the doctors observed, especially during treatment, and that these taste changes made it harder for them to eat and maintain their appetite. Who this helps: Patients recovering from head and neck cancer.

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This study looked at how certain molecules in mitochondria (the cell's energy factories) help produce proline, an important building block for proteins. Researchers found that without a specific enzyme (NADK2), cells struggled to grow, but adding proline allowed them to thrive again. This shows that maintaining a good supply of NADP(H) in mitochondria is crucial for producing proline and collagen, which are vital for various cellular functions. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing support for tissue repair and growth, such as those with injuries or specific chronic conditions.

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This paper focuses on making sure that cancer patients receive treatment that matches their personal values and needs. The initiative, called Improving Goal Concordant Care (IGCC), gathered 10 top cancer hospitals to work together on this important issue. Ensuring care aligns with what patients truly want can lead to better overall satisfaction and outcomes in their cancer journey. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and their families.

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The research studied how health profession students can help improve access to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in African American churches, targeting communities that often lack resources. The students, totaling 95, led DPP groups and reported building strong relationships with participants, learning about the challenges people face in losing weight, and understanding the importance of teamwork in healthcare. Despite some challenges in implementing the program, this approach shows promise in making diabetes prevention more accessible and training future healthcare professionals effectively. Who this helps: This benefits patients in underserved communities and health profession students.

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This study looked at how inflammation in the brain and blood relates to recovery in patients with spontaneous bleeding in the brain who also had bleeding in the brain's ventricles. Researchers analyzed 292 patients and found that those treated with alteplase, a medication to dissolve blood clots, had a stronger inflammatory response but did not have worse functional outcomes overall. Specifically, higher lymphocyte counts in the blood were linked to better recovery, while a higher ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes was associated with poorer outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients who experience intracerebral hemorrhage and their doctors, as it can guide treatment decisions.

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This study looked at inflammatory markers in the cerebrospinal fluid of 28 adults who had spontaneous bleeding in the brain. The researchers found that certain inflammatory proteins increased shortly after the bleeding and were linked to the severity of the bleeding and associated swelling. For example, levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were highest within the first two days and correlated with increased bleeding volume, showing that these markers might help in assessing injury severity and guiding treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from brain hemorrhages and their doctors by providing insights that could improve care.

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This study looked at how small molecules called miRNAs help regulate genes in adult mice. The researchers created a special mouse that could turn off miRNA activity without changing how miRNAs are produced. They found that while miRNAs are crucial for the heart and muscles, most other organs can function without them, but they become important again during healing after an injury. This shows that miRNAs play a key role in how tissues respond to stress or damage. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors understand how to better support tissue healing in patients.

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This study looked at how fibroblasts, a type of cell found in tumors, produce collagen, which is important for the structure of the tumor. Researchers found that the enzyme pyruvate carboxylase (PC) is key for collagen production in these cells, especially when the supply of nutrients like glutamine and glucose is low. They discovered that fibroblasts can use lactate, a byproduct of metabolism, to continue making collagen, which helps tumors grow. Targeting this process could help stop the harmful thickening of tumors. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients by potentially leading to new treatments that limit tumor growth.

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This study explored how to create new materials by mixing mimicked natural substances (peptides) with a existing type of plastic (polyurethane) to change their ability to "remember" shapes when heated. Researchers found that using certain structures of peptides led to better shape-changing performance: when the peptide had a specific arrangement, the materials were more elastic and able to return to a specific shape after being deformed. This matters because developing smarter, responsive materials can be useful for various applications in medicine and engineering. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by potentially leading to better medical devices that can adapt to body conditions.

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This study examined how certain metabolic processes in breast cancer cells relate to their ability to spread, specifically looking at a type of breast cancer known for its aggressive behavior. Researchers found that more aggressive cancer cells rely heavily on a specific metabolic pathway involving molecules called serine and one-carbon units, which helps them grow faster. When they blocked a key enzyme in this pathway, called SHMT2, it significantly slowed down the growth of these aggressive cells, both in lab cultures and in mice. This is important because it highlights a potential new target for treating advanced breast cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with metastatic breast cancer by providing a new treatment approach to slow disease progression.

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This study looked at how a protein called TGFβ helps cells produce necessary proteins for healing wounds. Researchers found that TGFβ increases the use of glucose and glutamine in cell energy production, and it also stimulates the creation of a substance called proline, which helps manage stress in the cells’ energy-making machinery. Specifically, they found that boosting proline production helps prevent harmful side effects from increased energy use, allowing cells to maintain healthy functions during the healing process. Who this helps: This helps patients who are healing from injuries or surgeries.

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This study looked at how long-term exposure to tumor antigens affects T cells, which are crucial for the immune response. Researchers found that when T cells are repeatedly exposed to these antigens, they struggle to renew themselves and produce energy, leading to a reduced ability to fight tumors. Specifically, they discovered that preventing damage to the energy-producing parts of the T cells improved their growth and effectiveness against tumors. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients by enhancing T cell therapy approaches.

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This study looked at how cancer cells, specifically pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) cells, obtain nutrients from their surroundings using a process called macropinocytosis. Researchers found that proteins called Yap and Taz are crucial for this nutrient-gathering process; when they were disabled, the cancer cells struggled to grow without a key amino acid, leucine. This matters because understanding how cancer cells acquire nutrients can lead to new treatments that starve tumors. Who this helps: Patients with pancreatic cancer.

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This research paper discusses supramolecular polymers, which are special materials that can change their properties in response to different conditions. The study focuses on how these materials are made and how their ability to self-assemble can lead to tougher and smarter products. These findings are significant because they highlight new ways to create advanced materials that can be used in various applications, from everyday products to high-tech devices. Who this helps: This benefits materials scientists and engineers developing next-generation products.

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This study looked at how certain cancer mutations make tumor cells resistant to a form of cell death called ferroptosis, which is important for fighting cancer. The researchers found that mutations in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway help cancer cells survive by activating a protein that promotes fat production. In tests on mice with breast and prostate cancers, combining treatments that block this signaling pathway with methods to trigger ferroptosis led to almost complete tumor regression. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients by identifying new treatment strategies.

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This study investigates how a lack of amino acids affects the production of proteins in cells. Researchers found that when there isn't enough of the amino acid glutamine, certain transport molecules (tRNAs) that help build proteins become inactive; specifically, the glutamine tRNAs stop working while others continue to function. This limitation leads to lower levels of certain proteins that are important for cell function, but providing extra glutamine can fix the problem and restore protein production. Who this helps: This helps patients with conditions related to amino acid deficiencies, such as cancer or metabolic disorders.

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This study tested whether certain medications like antihistamines and steroids would change how well a specific enzyme, called hyaluronidase, helps spread antibodies in the skin of mice. The researchers found that the enzyme significantly increased the spread of antibodies by 22.8% to 106.6% in the skin, and this effect was not influenced by the medications. This matters because it shows that using hyaluronidase alongside these common medications is safe and effective for enhancing treatment delivery. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving antibody treatments, as it supports the use of hyaluronidase without concerns about other medications they might be taking.