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Abstract or Project Description

Despite medical advances, a significant proportion of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients are resistant to therapies, with CD4 T cells being consistently activated. Analysis of inflamed tissues from a cohort of refractory IBD patients reveals an enrichment of metabolism gene transcripts in CD4 T cells. Exploring the mechanisms, our preliminary data demonstrate that several proinflammatory cytokines can independently trigger metabolic phenotypes which we believe reinvigorates the pathogenic function of CD4 T cells. This led us to formulate the hypothesis that IBD CD4 T cells, governed by metabolic cues, utilize common intracellular metabolites to drive inflammatory response that results in disease pathogenesis. Thus, our research goal is to identify the metabolic vulnerabilities of IBD CD4 T cells, which will consequently guide strategies for developing efficacious therapies.

Abstract or Project Description

Recently there has been increased evidence that patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) commonly have disrupted sleep, and disrupted sleep correlates with the risk of disease flare. The sleep/wake cycle, immune function, and multiple biological processes are orchestrated by the circadian clock. The central circadian clock in the brain entrains these processes to the environment by light exposure, and CD subjects have evidence of misaligned circadian rhythms that correlate with subclinical inflammation. The long-term goal of this research proposal is to show that bright light therapy in CD improves barrier integrity, reduces markers of subclinical inflammation and modifies the microbial structure/function to an anti-inflammatory state. To test this hypothesis, we will conduct a randomized crossover trial of morning bright light therapy (60 min) given by a wearable device (Re-timer™). We will do three assessments in inactive CD subjects at: 1) baseline; 2) after four weeks of wearable glasses with bright light therapy; and 3) after four weeks of wearable glasses without bright light therapy. The results of this innovative proposal will improve quality of life in CD subjects, reduce the risk of disease flare and identify novel circadian regulated targets for the treatment of CD.

Abstract or Project Description

A site-specific and transdisciplinary work set across San Francisco’s Chinatown exploring queerness, mixed lineages and audience connection through song, movement, food and drag. At its core, it focuses on ancestral healing and the collective relationships we have with our mothers or mother figures.

Abstract or Project Description

Mindful Life Project (MLP) has administered their multifaceted whole-community mindfulness-based social emotional learning programs within four East Oakland district and charter schools over the past four years.

Abstract or Project Description

A dance piece using improvisational techniques to confront white supremacy and catalyze social change by developing methods of inquiry rooted in experimental performance to fuel cathartic, game-changing conversation around privilege, supremacy, economics, immigration and race.

Abstract or Project Description

Supports deepened efforts in the areas of data sharing, literacy advocacy and sector alignment.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the Exploring Public Art Practices Symposium.

Abstract or Project Description

Supports the continuation of the Oakland Public Library’s programming fund, which offers year-round programs for children, the West Oakland story bus service (transporting children in West Oakland to local branches) and book giveaways.

Abstract or Project Description

To provide continued coordination and logistic support for the Oakland Early Learning Symposium, a city-wide collaborative effort. The Symposium offers formal and informal early childhood educators and providers the opportunity for professional development that is unified, evidence-based and responsive.

Abstract or Project Description

This grant funds district coaches assigned to focus schools to improve literacy instruction and intervention.

Abstract or Project Description

An interdisciplinary work of dance, theater and visual art installations that explores the innate connection between creation/destruction and birth/death through the lens of queer performance and intergenerational Drag ancestry.

Abstract or Project Description

Individualized literacy support for 250 unduplicated students at OUSD public and charter schools with twice weekly, 45-minute literacy tutoring sessions.

Abstract or Project Description

A contemporary evening-length dance work that will dismantle the toxic side of Catholic dogma in the Latinx/BIPOC community and present a vision for positive change.

Abstract or Project Description

A new theatrical work based on the stories, lives and performances created by women from UCSF’s Women’s HIV Clinic in collaboration with The Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women/HIV Circle. Delving into themes of forgiveness, joy, friendship and sisterhood, this piece explores and dramatizes HIV clinic participants’ pivotal childhood memories while creating space for healing and transformation.

Abstract or Project Description

A dance/music/language collaborative project by Risa Jaroslow, Rinde Eckert, Margaret Jenkins, Jon Kinzel and Vicky Shick. All artists of several different disciplines, all fully “emerged,” all over 55, most over 70, “Unstill Life” is an experiment in shedding the director role and coming together as equal partners to investigate the changing body, beauty, endurance, loss and joy that inevitably surround the aging process.

Abstract or Project Description

A comedic theatrical drama that brings the multiplicity of socio-cultural and social justice issues to the forefront regarding fentanyl’s besiegement of the San Francisco Bay Area. With a script based on psychiatrist William H. Grier’s 1968 book, “Black Rage,” the piece aims to increase public awareness while giving voice to Black artists to present their own social commentary on such a multi-dynamic issue.

Abstract or Project Description

Diet plays a unique role in Crohn’s disease (CD) pathogenesis and therapy. In pediatric CD, commercial formulas used as exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) are effective at inducing both clinical and biochemical remission. This study assesses the impact of a whole-food blended smoothie as EEN on CD activity and the intestinal microbiome.

The primary aims of this study are: 1) To evaluate the tolerability of a whole-food based smoothie as EEN therapy, and 2) To evaluate the ability of a whole-food based smoothie to induce remission of active pediatric CD. 

This study will compare the tolerability and efficacy of conventional formula EEN and whole-food blended smoothie EEN by enrolling a total of 40 participants with newly diagnosed pediatric CD. Participants will be provided either commercial formula or guided on the preparation of the home-blended smoothie. These participants will be given a specific recipe, Vitamix blender and be provided the food components to the smoothie. The study will total 8 weeks and will assess tolerance, clinical outcomes, the stool microbiome and quality of life.

Abstract or Project Description

A fan letter to the poet nun of Mexico whose prolific work as a scholar, poet and playwright in the 17th century garnered her both recognition and censorship. This original bilingual (Spanish/English) script seeks to amplify unrepresented voices and foster dialogue around themes of censorship, identity, body autonomy and whose voices are permitted to center public discourse.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the ArtsWeb customized, wrap-around approach to addressing funding inequities and the lack of infrastructure support for Bay Area artist communities historically excluded from representation and investment. And to document increases in capacity and resources for the artists and groups served or engaged by the program.