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Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

The intestinal microbiota is the collective term used to described the microbial community living in our intestine and playing important roles. However, the intestinal microbiota is also playing a central role in the development of many chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We previously reported, in mice, that the consumption of dietary emulsifiers, a food additive broadly used by the food industry to improve texture and extend shelf life of processed food, is able to detrimentally alter the intestinal microbiota, promoting the development of intestinal inflammation. In the current research project, we propose to test the impact of dietary emulsifier on human microbiotas from IBD patients, including IBD patients carrying pathogenic bacteria, named adherent-invasive Escherichia coli and known to be involved in disease susceptibility. We predict that IBD microbiotas will be very prone to disturbance by emulsifiers and that such disturbances may initiate/drive intestinal inflammation. The study of the impact of dietary emulsifiers on IBD-derived microbiota may advance a general paradigm of understanding non-genetic factors that can drive IBD development and promote disease flares. Moreover, our studies may result in dietary advice for those at risk of or suffering from IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

Confronts racial politics and hierarchical structures in dance. The project will examine Neil Greenberg’s seminal work Not About AIDS Dance and Bill T. Jones’ Still/Here, both of which premiered in 1994 in the midst of the AIDS crisis.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the operations of Building Blocks Christian Academy.

Abstract or Project Description

Sycamores, formerly known as Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services, has been dedicated to supporting individuals and families in Southern California for over a century, offering vital care and services during challenging times. With a rich history dating back to 1902, Sycamores continues to provide innovative and impactful behavioral health programs, positively affecting over 18,000 lives annually,

Abstract or Project Description

So far, most research on the microbiome in IBD has mostly focused on gut bacteria. However, there is increasing evidence to support that other members of the microbiome, such as viruses, may also have an important role. Herein we plan to study the role of viral exposures in IBD development. A major challenge of this type of study is to disentangle what is cause, and what is consequence of the inflammatory process. However, having access to a unique cohort of pre-clinical samples, where we were able to gather thousands of samples from patients with Crohn´s disease and ulcerative colitis, years before their diagnosis, as well as matched healthy individuals, addresses some of the challenges. Acquiring mechanistic information into preclinical disease can therefore potentially uncover key pathogenic events. In this unique cohort, we will use also a unique method, recently described, called the VirScan. This is a very sensitive and specific assay, that has the ability assess all viral exposures that happened throughout the life span of an individual. By combining this unique technique in a distinctive cohort, we hope to be able to identify whether there are specific viral exposures that may act as triggers for the development of IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

Inspired by Kurosawa’s 1950s masterpiece that explored the intersection of memory, perspective and fact. Told through the stories of five main characters, this contemporary adaptation will use theatrical design, dance and a layered sound scape to conjure our present economic and political divide along with our society’s inability to grapple with objective truths.

Abstract or Project Description

This performance draws its title from an emancipation era African-American expression, which revealed the reality that while slavery had been abolished, the promise of freedom was not real. Using physical theater, site specific performance and experimental movement, the work will comment on the state of African American theater today and its lack of freedom from the “standard” cannon.

Abstract or Project Description

IMPACT offers violence-prevention programs for people to embody their own power, set effective boundaries, defend their physical and emotional safety, and heal.

Abstract or Project Description

Indian People Organizing for Change (IPOC) is a Bay Area organization working toward social and environmental justice. IPOC advocates for the preservation of Shellmounds, Indigenous villages and burial sites, many of which have been leveled, destroyed and paved over to allow for new development.

Abstract or Project Description

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is caused by the accumulation of genetic, microbial and lifestyle factors that increase the susceptibility to the disease beyond a red line. The number and complexity of such factors makes prediction of pathogenesis and therapy particularly difficult. Nevertheless, clinical and experimental observations demonstrate a strong association of early life events with susceptibility to IBD later in life. In particular, a loss in microbiota, for example after prolonged antibiotic therapy, leads to higher incidence in pediatric IBD. We have observed, using a mouse model, that the vigorous reaction of the immune system to the expanding microbiota during weaning protects from high susceptibility to IBD later in life. We further found that early life diet provided to the mother and pups is an important element that determines the composition of the microbiota and the reactivity of the immune system. In particular, high fat diet (HFD) given early imprints high susceptibility to IBD in adulthood, through mechanisms that we explore in this project. As the human population is increasingly hygienic and exposed to HFD, normalization of diet and complementation with key bacteria may become effective strategies to prevent, early in life, the development of IBD later in life.

Abstract or Project Description

A multi-faceted performance celebrating 100 years of outcast activism in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. The event will focus on the culture of liberation among young, working women in the early 20th century; 1960s transgender activism; the stories of Vietnamese immigrants, and of the longstanding single room occupancy Cadillac Hotel.

Abstract or Project Description

Explores human connection and relationships through a unique investigation of individual and collective heartbeats. Through dance, data visualization, poetry and music, CHAMBER celebrates human connection and explores the asynchronous aspect of human relationships and our individual and collective state of mind.

Abstract or Project Description

A new play commissioned by National Performance Network, La Peña Cultural Center and El Teatro Campesino that chronicles the preservation of Rabinal Achí, an ancient Mayan dramatic text performed annually in the rural village of Rabinal, Guatemala. The project will examine the text’s creation, preservation, and survival in the 21st century and will be informed by research with Rabinal’s Maya Achí community.

Abstract or Project Description

The League to Save Lake Tahoe protects and restores the environmental health, sustainability and scenic beauty of the Lake Tahoe Basin. They focus on water quality and its clarity for the preservation of a pristine Lake for future generations.

Abstract or Project Description

To support the academic growth and proficiency of English Language Learners with a multi-pronged approach. 1) a summer program that will develop Kindergarten-readiness skills for incoming Kindergarten students; and 2) teachers will develop their capacity to integrate English Language Development strategies into daily instruction through participation in SEEDS of Learning for Kindergarten students.

Abstract or Project Description

For the West Oakland Literacy Initiative which is designed to strengthen literacy skills for kindergarten to third grade students at four elementary schools in West Oakland. Culturally affirming literacy skill-building supports will be provided throughout the school year and for six weeks in summer via their Freedom Schools program. They will combine these services with responsive parental supports.

Abstract or Project Description

To support existing Learning Station in Oakland Unified School District classrooms and transition e-readers classrooms to use Kidappolis, a learning application software. Litlab will launch Kidappolis in Oakland in order to increase access to high quality, personalized, and engaging early learning content.

Abstract or Project Description

To support Lotus Bloom’s and Allendale Elementary School’s vision to grow the on-site Family Resource Center to offer a full service of early childhood, literacy-rich programs, for families with children birth to age five. Plan includes: Strategic alignment of birth-to-five activities, adding another day of the playgroup program, adding an afternoon literacy program for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students, and Case Management services.

Abstract or Project Description

The Luggage Store, also known as The 509 Cultural Center, is a nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to foster community through multidisciplinary arts programming that promotes diversity, inclusion and dialogue among the diverse cultural communities of downtown San Francisco. They aim to reduce inter-group tensions and stereotypes through exhibitions, performances, education and public art initiatives.