Ms. Duarte began her affiliation with the HNRP in 2009 as a Psychiatric Coordinator.   She holds an MA degree in Psychology with BCIA-C (Biofeedback certification) and is in her final semester of a PhD degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Health Psychology. She has  completed CAPIC-approved internship rotations at 1) Sharp Hospital - Pain Rehabilitation Program, 2) Palomar Hospital - Outpatient Partial Hospitalization Program & Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit and 3) ISIS Crisis House (CRF START Program).  Her research interests include 1) Psychiatric Aspects of NeuroAIDS, 2) Substance Use & HIV, 3) Severe comorbid mental illness & HIV, 4) Adherence and HIV, 5) Psychiatric Aspects of Chronic Pain Conditions, 6) Psychiatric Aspects of Chronic Health Conditions and 7) Psychiatric Assessment in the Context of HIV.

This study explored how ADHD/Methamphetamine use may impact an individual's higher propensity to engage in risky behaviors that yield immediate rewards even in light of future possible negative results.  The theory underpinning design of this study postulates that deficits in working memory/decreased activation in the frontal cortex of the brain may contribute to the inability to adequately weigh rewards and consequences.

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Findings reported in the manuscript Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection of Human Astrocytes Disrupts Blood-brain Barrier Integrity by a Gap Junction-dependent Mechanism published in the June 29^th Issue of the Journal of Neuroscience indicate that astrocytes may lead the way to understanding neurocognitive impairment in HIV infection.  Dr. Grant stated, “This study provides a possible explanation indicating that minute numbers of infected astrocytes can trigger a cascade of signals that could open the brain to various toxic influences."  Eliseo Eugenin, primary author of the study, constructed a blood-brain barrier model using human cells and found that infection of astrocytes may be important in promoting neurocognitive impairment that so commonly travels with HIV infection, possibly by weakening the blood-brain barrier allowing infection of brain cells.

For the article in HealthDay News click here.

For redirect to the abstract of the published manuscript and Journal Information click here.

Despite much improved survival and medical outcomes in the era of modern combination antiviral treatments [CART], some persons with HIV continue to experience disturbances in memory, attention, decision making and other neurocognitive functions suggesting a persisting effect of HIV on the brain. Investigators from UCSD’s HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program and the CHARTER Study recently reported the results of a brain imaging study of a large group of HIV+ individuals who participated in a nationwide study.  The study examined the clinical correlates of different forms of injury to brain structures.

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Dr. Ron Ellis was invited to present at the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) 1-day workshop on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) on June 24, 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland. The NCI, in conjunction with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, is sponsoring this workshop to devise neurobiologic research recommendations for CIPN, for consideration by the NCI Director.  Dr. Ellis will present data collected in the CHARTER study regarding HIV related peripheral neuropathy and skin biopsies.