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Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is less common in parts of the world with parasitic worm infections than in the developed world. Understanding why may lead to new types of therapy. We recently found that infection by parasitic worms increases the number of beneficial anti-inflammatory Clostridiales bacteria in the intestine, and that these bacteria can outcompete harmful disease-causing bacteria. Therefore, one reason why people living in the developed world are more likely to develop IBD may be because their intestines are no longer colonized by these beneficial bacteria. To restore a healthy “gut microbiome”, we may need to recolonize patients with these beneficial bacteria as a way to treat IBD. We propose to isolate beneficial Clostridiales bacteria from indigenous people of Malaysia who are infected by parasitic worms. These bacteria are potentially more beneficial when administered to IBD patients. We will test this by examining their ability to kill harmful disease-causing bacteria and restore a healthy gut microbiome. We will also use an animal model of IBD to determine whether this approach can reverse disease. If successful, we believe that Clostridiales from indigenous Malaysians, or products that these bacteria produce, can be used to treat IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

The Oakland Leaf Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth development programs and educational opportunities in Oakland, California. Through a range of after-school and summer programs, they aim to empower young people with academic support, leadership skills and creative expression, fostering a stronger sense of community and resilience.

Abstract or Project Description

To support a Program Manager (PM) position to develop and implement a series of continuous learning programs for the Oakland Literacy Coalition’s membership Literacy Service Providers. Funds will also support securing an Outreach Coordinator for the Oakland Reads mini grants programs (Family Reading Celebrations during the school year and Summer Reading Mini Grants), establishing additional partnerships with community and faith based organizations.

Abstract or Project Description

To fund small grants to district and charter schools for supplemental literacy supports.

Abstract or Project Description

For 11 elementary schools to support building on core instruction and literacy supports for transitional kindergartners to first grade students and their teachers. Funding includes: transitional kindergarten to first grade focused literacy coaches, tutor resources and a facilitated monthly professional learning community for site leaders and teachers to support data analysis and application of evidence-based literacy practices that help children secure the skills they need to be on track for reading success. Funding also includes support for 28 OUSD schools to receive SEEDS of Early Learning professional development for their transitional kindergarten teachers.

Abstract or Project Description

Gastrointestinal (GI) health is essential for overall body health. Inflammatory insults to the GI mucosa often cause profound and irreversible changes of GI homeostasis, including disrupted enteric neural regulation and subsequent alteration of GI function. Mucosal inflammation causes irreversible structural changes of the enteric nervous system (ENS), demonstrating a strong linkage between inflammation and GI innervation. Understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that link mucosal inflammation with the loss/regeneration of enteric neurons are the focus of this proposal.

We characterized a phenotypically and transcriptionally distinct subset of intestinal macrophages that reside along the neural fibers of enteric neurons and are particularly enriched at the level of myenteric neural plexus of the ENS; we discovered a novel mechanism of crosstalk between these macrophages with enteric neurons. By using infectious and non-infectious murine models of transient mucosal inflammation and state of the art immunological and physiological techniques we will determine the role of mucosal inflammation, ENS-associated macrophages and the factors that they produce in regulation of homeostasis and function of enteric neurons during mucosal inflammation. The proposed studies will substantially advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of post-inflammatory enteric neuropathy known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) common in patients with IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

Phillips Exeter Academy, founded in 1781, is a prestigious independent school in Exeter, New Hampshire, known for its rigorous academics and the Harkness method of collaborative learning.

Abstract or Project Description

The Phoenix Charter Academy Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports Phoenix Charter Academy schools, which are public charter schools serving at-risk youth in Massachusetts. The foundation provides funding, resources and advocacy to help these schools provide a transformative education for students facing significant challenges.

Abstract or Project Description

The Oakland Leaf Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth development programs and educational opportunities in Oakland, California. Through a range of after-school and summer programs, they aim to empower young people with academic support, leadership skills and creative expression, fostering a stronger sense of community and resilience.

Abstract or Project Description

“My Name is Andrea” is a film exploring Andrea Dworkin’s groundbreaking feminist activism, highlighting her early advocacy against sexism and rape culture. Through archival footage and powerful performances, director Pratibha Parmar sheds light on Dworkin’s enduring legacy, challenging viewers to reconsider her impact on gender equality.

Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

A performance and installation created by Christopher W. White, which will take place at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza in downtown Oakland. The project will serve as a space for intimacy, contemplation, and communion, and invites audiences to consider their vulnerability within a larger society.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the purchase of banners and supplies for the Music Program.

Abstract or Project Description

A performance exploring hope, access, and justice through work that integrates dance and new media tools. The project integrates movement and creative technologies while building bridges between African American communities and new tech industry residents who have been set against one another in San Francisco’s tech boom and affordability crisis.

Abstract or Project Description

Invites Bay Area dance companies and artists to present work at various stages of development, offering a supportive testing ground for artists to experiment with ideas and new material with a live audience.

Abstract or Project Description

To support Reach out and Read (ROR) in maintaining delivery of their birth to 5 early literacy program at 18 clinics in Oakland. Pediatricians are trained to speak with families during well child visits about the importance of reading aloud & interacting with their children. Families also receive a free book at each visit. ROR will distribute 12,233 books.

Abstract or Project Description

Support for Reading Partners’ one-on-one literacy intervention for 710 Oakland students.

Abstract or Project Description

To fund a second year of a teacher development and assessment system project that triangulates: 1. community-specific “Indicators of Impact” (III); 2. teacher effectiveness; and 3. classic academic indicators (CA State Achievement data). Data will be used to design teacher growth plans and to measure the impacts of teacher development on teacher performance and student outcomes.

Abstract or Project Description

SF Camerawork, established in 1974, remains a pioneering force in the San Francisco arts scene, fostering experimental photography and sociopolitical themes while providing crucial support to emerging and established artists, shaping the landscape of contemporary photography through exhibitions, programs and patronage.