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Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Early studies indicate that the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) may improve clinical symptoms and inflammatory biomarkers, but there is not enough high-quality evidence to be sure. N-of-1 (or single-subject repeated cross-over) trials are an ideal method for addressing this important research question. By focusing on the effect of diet for a single individual, N-of-1 studies can successfully identify the impact of each diet on each patient. In this study we will use a series of N-of-1 trials to determine the effectiveness of the SCD in reducing symptoms and inflammation in patients with IBD as compared to a modified SCD and an unrestricted diet at both the individual and population level. We will use a series of N-of-1 trials to determine the effectiveness of the SCD as compared to a modified version of the SCD in reducing symptoms and inflammation in pediatric patients with IBD over a 34-week period. We will recruit 50 patients from 20 ImproveCareNow (ICN) network sites. Participants will use a mobile app to direct their study involvement including collecting outcome data, transitioning between study diets, viewing data and reviewing personal study results. Primary outcomes include patient reported outcomes (PROs) of stool frequency, stool consistency, pain interference and GI symptom severity. We will also examine changes in inflammation via fecal calprotectin and bank stool for future microbiome studies. The N-of-1 design enables us to provide each patient with personalized results on diet impact and also to statistically combine the results to examine effectiveness of the diets at the population level.

Abstract or Project Description

It is now well recognized that IBD develops as a result of complex gene-environment interactions. Since there is no cure for IBD, treatment has focused on alleviating the symptoms. A better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that drive the development and progression of IBD would allow for the design of more specific and effective treatments. Bacteria that naturally live in our intestine (called the microbiota) have been definitively linked to intestinal inflammation, but how this relationship is regulated is not well understood. Epigenetics refers to modifications that allow genes to be turned on or off and we have found unique epigenetic changes that occur in the intestine in response to signals from the microbiota. Further, we have identified similar epigenetic differences in intestinal cells of pediatric IBD patients. Based on these findings, studies in this proposal will use samples from pediatric IBD patients and mouse models to define how these newly-identified epigenetic changes are regulated by intestinal bacteria. We will also determine whether these targets enable us to predict patient prognosis and employ animal models and human intestine grown in culture to decipher their function. We anticipate that these studies will direct new approaches for preventing and treating IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

To support cross-sector collaborations, led by the Mayor’s Director of Education, to advance early childhood education efforts, support kinder readiness goals and provide continued support for Oakland Promise’s cradle-to-career efforts.

Abstract or Project Description

To support organizational capacity-building for Demonstration Gardens to deepen work their work in UN Plaza, to improve green infrastructure, interim art installation and community activities.

Abstract or Project Description

Founded in 1967, Clausen House assists those with developmental and intellectual disabilities in participating in society, fully and effectively, on an equal basis with others.

Abstract or Project Description

Nourishing Community Wealth Co-Cap Conference which brought together over 200 local and national innovative cross-sector professionals to engage in conversation and highlight community wealth building innovations. The conference examined a broad range of models and innovations for investment, ownership, and support of local businesses and entrepreneurship that centers equity and prioritizes the local community.

Abstract or Project Description

Commonweal’s mission is to provide a forum for civil, reasoned debate on the interaction of faith with contemporary politics and culture.

Abstract or Project Description

Oakland Life-Safety Loan Fund aims to create long-term and permanently affordable safe spaces for the arts to thrive in the Bay Area. The fund will provide tenant improvement loans for life/safety upgrades to qualified live/work, art practice, and community event spaces serving Oakland artists. The program is supported by technical assistance from Safer DIY Spaces.

Abstract or Project Description

Community Works seeks to transform justice through programs and policy rooted in humanity and healing.

Abstract or Project Description

An immersive performance on the USS Potomac which seeks to deconstruct the white male body’s expression of power and challenge its role in American democracy.

Abstract or Project Description

A performance festival seeking to decolonize gender through Indigenous performance. A collaboration between Javier Stell-Frésquez and CounterPulse, Weaving Many Spirits will prioritize interactivity and culturally specific protocols, transforming CounterPulse into a time-based container for radically traditional Two-Spirit Indigenous futurity.

Abstract or Project Description

Colorín Colorado San Francisco will include community workshops and work with artists with developmental disabilities to create sculptures exploring their journeys as immigrants. The sculptures will be placed at San Francisco sites that are significant to the Latinx community. They will be animated by music, dance and poetry, bringing culture and the arts to life.

Abstract or Project Description

Will serve as a regional hub for artists of all disciplines and community investors dedicated to social change through creative practice.

Abstract or Project Description

Uses multimedia video, soundscape and scenic magic to tell the stories of three young black men as they journey across the unknown. Co-Produced by Custom Made Theatre and the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, Esai’s Table addresses the crucial need for representation and identity in the era of #blacklivesmatter.

Abstract or Project Description

Set in a climate-ravaged San Francisco and challenges the patriarchy and classism present in Strindberg’s original Miss Julie. This is the inaugural play in Cutting Ball Theater’s new commissioning program, which is committed to ethical, progressive alternatives to antiquated masterworks in the field of theater.

Abstract or Project Description

Individuals with mutations in the receptor for IL-10 suffer from very early onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease. These patients are typically unresponsive to conventional therapies and have a poor long-term prognosis. The only available curative therapy is bone marrow transplantation from a suitable donor, which carries significant risks and often is not available. We propose to use gene transfer into the patient’s own stem cells to restore IL-10 signaling and provide an alternative treatment option for these patients. Our preliminary studies indicate that this gene therapy approach can prevent the development of the disease in a mouse model which mimics the disease symptoms observed in human patients. The team of investigators has deep expertise covering the diverse aspects of this project, with expertise in gene therapy preclinical development, clinical translation and in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and IL-10 biology.

Abstract or Project Description

A new choreography by Leyya Mona Tawil in collaboration with local dancers, visual artist Dena Al Adeeb, and composer Sholeh Asgary. Noise & Nation will be featured as part of the Arab.AMP festival, which focuses on experimental live art from the Arab diaspora, celebrates the plurality of Arab voices, and challenges identity legibility.

Abstract or Project Description

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit public interest environmental law organization. They wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect peopleÕs health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy and to combat climate change.