Welcome to the HNRC
HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center
The mission of the HNRC is to increase our understanding of how HIV and other diseases affect the human nervous system. The Center is supported by public funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (NIMH Award Number P30MH062512). The HNRC conducts local, national, and international research devoted to advancing our knowledge of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HIV-related diseases as they affect the brain and nervous system, and result in impairment of everyday functioning.
Dr. Gianella-Weibel Receives 2019 UCSD Integrity Award!
Sara Gianella-Weibel, MD, is an Assistant Adjunct Professor at the UCSD School of Medicine and an HNRP investigator. The integrity award recognizes individuals, departments, organizational units and students who have made outstanding contributions in support of UC San Diego's commitment to integrity. “Integrity” equals adherence to moral and ethical principles.
When the Dalai Lama came to UCSD in 2012 to speak he highlighted that secular education and science must be melded with a critical dialogue in ethics. UCSD invited the Dalai Lama back in 2017 for the commencement speech to share messages of global compassion, with an emphasis on education, scientific inquiry and global responsibility. “These are the ideals we aim to instill in our UC San Diego faculty, staff and students,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. To be recognized for these qualities by one’s peers, in addition to being a top-notch scientist, is indeed an achievement to be proud of. Congratulations Sara!
HNRP at CROI 2019
CROI 2019 is held from March 4 to March 7, 2019, at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Washington. The HNRP has a strong showing with research on various aspects of HIV infection.
Listing of posters and presentations:
Dubé K, Nathan A, Mathur K, Concha-Garcia S, Patel H, Kaytes A, Taylor J, Smith D, Gianella S.. Altruism in end of life HIV research: Insights from the Last Gift Study.
Ellis R. Beneficial effects of cannabis on blood brain barrier and inflammation in HIV.
Gandhi M, Smeaton L, Vernon C, Connick E. Low rate of sex-specific analyses in CROI presentations suggests room to improve.
Gianella S, Chaillon A, Ignacio C, Chun T, Kovacs C, Benko E, Hubner S, Kaul R. Compartmentalized HIV Rebound in the Male Genital Tract after ART Interruption.
HNRP at INS 2019
The theme for the INS 2019 Annual Meeting in New York City is: Embracing the Biopsychosocial Melting Pot. This year mimics past years as researchers from the HNRP present a myriad of research topics related to cognition, HIV, substance use, medical measures and behavior.
Posters/Presentations:
Campbell L. Use of neuroimaging to inform optimal neurocognitive criteria for detecting HIV associated brain abnormalities.
Hussain M, Morgan E, Iudicello J, Heaton R, Grant I. Loneliness predicts risky sexual beliefs and intentions in Methamphetamine dependent (MA+) individuals.
Hussain M, Kamalan L, Diaz M, Umlauf A, Franklin D, Cherner M, Rivera-Mindt M, Artiola I Fortuny L, Heaton R. Predictors of neurocognitive impairment in Spanish-speaking Latinos living with HIV in the United States using newly developed neuropsychological test norms.
Mr. Saloner received a Blue Ribbon Award!
Mr. Saloner received a Blue Ribbon Award at the 126th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association (APA) for his presentation “Is Alcohol Neuroprotective in Methamphetamine-Associated Neuropsychological Impairment?”