MHRC'09 Annual Report

Inspiring Innovation.Encouraging Excellence.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Manitoba Health Research Council

P216-770 Bannatyne Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3E 0W3

Telephone: (204) 775-1096 Fax: (204) 786-5401

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.mhrc.mb.ca

12008 | 2009 Annual Report

Table of Contents3 Council Members

4 Committees of Council

5 Message from the Chair

6|7 Message from the Executive Director

8 Staff

Grant & Award Programs10 Manitoba Research Chairs

12 Establishment Grants

14 Operating Grants

16 Clinical Fellowship Awards

18 Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards

20|23 Graduate Studentship Awards

24 Bridge Funding Awards

25 Regional Partnership Grants – Operating Grants

26 Regional Partnership Personnel Awards

24 Sponsorship

Review Committees26 Manitoba Research Chairs Review Committee

26 Operating & Establishment Scientifi c Review Committee

27 Social/Population Health Scientifi c Review Committee

27 Studentship Review Committee

27 Fellowship Review Committee

2008-2009 Financial ReportI Auditor Report

II-VIII Financial Statements

2 Manitoba Health Research Council

For more information contact:

Manitoba Health Research CouncilP216-770 Bannatyne Avenue


Telephone: (204) 775-1096

Fax: (204) 786-5401



“ To promote the growth and co-ordination of the health research enterprise in Manitoba”MISSION STATEMENT


Dr. Dean Sandham, Chairperson, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba

Dr. Judith BartlettAssociate Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences,University of Manitoba and Health & Wellness Department, Manitoba Metis Federation

Mr. F. Lynn BishopPast General Manager Prairie Region,Cargojet Canada

Mr. John ClarksonDeputy Minister,Department of Science, Technology, Energy & Mines, Province of Manitoba

Dr. Albert FriesenPresident, Medicure Inc.

Members of the Manitoba Health Research Council

Dr. Henry FriesenDistinguished Professor Emeritus,Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba

Mr. David GravesPresident/CEO,IMRIS (to Feb, 2009)

Mr. Ray HoemsenDirector, Applied Research and Commercialization,Red River College

Dr. Digvir JayasVice-President (Research)University of Manitoba (from March 2009)

Dr. Joanne KeselmanVice-President (Research),University of Manitoba (to March 2009)

Dr. Arnold Naimark, Vice ChairpersonDirector, Centre for the Advancement of Medicine

Dr. Brian Postl, Secretary TreasurerPresident/CEO,Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Dr. Brent SchacterCEO, Canadian Association of Provincial Cancer Agencies

Dr. Ian SmithDirector General, Institute for Biodiagnostics,National Research Council

Ms Arlene WilgoshDeputy Minister,Manitoba Health Province of Manitoba


Manitoba Health ResearchCouncil Committees

FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE

Dr. Brian Postl, ChairDr. Dean SandhamDr. Ray HoemsenDr. David Graves (to February 2009)Dr. Albert FriesenMr. Paul Kochan (External member)

RESEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Dr. Harvey Chochinov, ChairDr. Judith Bartlett (Council Representative)Dr. Charles BernsteinDr. Peter CattiniDr. Judy Chipperfield Dr. Jim Davie (to January 2009)Dr. Lesley DegnerDr. Brenda EliasDr. Brian HasinoffDr. Kent HayGlassDr. Geoff HicksDr. Michael MoffattDr. James PeelingDr. Grant PierceDr. Brent Schacter (Council representative)Dr. George Zhanel

NOMINATING AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Dr. Dean Sandham, ChairMr. Lynn BishopDr. Henry FriesenDr. Digvir Jayas ( from March 2009)Dr. Joanne Keselman (to March 2009)Dr. Arnold Nairmark

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Dr. Dean Sandham, ChairDr. Arnold Naimark, Vice-ChairDr. Brian Postl, Secretary/TreasurerDr. Ian Smith


Message from the Chair

DR. DEAN SANDHAM

Excitement has been the watch word at MHRC this year. We participated in implementation of new programs, the evolution of our grant management systems, and the engagement of MHRC more broadly in its advisory role to the Provincial Government. Building on the Council’s strategic plan MHRC will focus on promoting the advances of health research, building on existing health promotion campaigns and working to foster partnerships that engage the whole research community.

The implementation of our Manitoba Research Chair program was very successful, supporting the research programs of Manitoba research stars. Congratulations to Dr. Keith Fowke, Dr. Spencer Gibson, and Dr. Jeffrey Wigle, who are tackling research questions that will lead to new treatments in AIDS and cancer.

The benefi ts of these programs are several, including a centralized review process, which has reduced the fi nancial costs to our partners in managing the review process and reduced the demand on researcher’s volunteering time to review applications. The success of these programs in terms in reducing costs and demands on the scientifi c community speak volumes of the benefi ts of Manitoba Universities, Institutes and Foundations in working together.

Moving towards a paperless process, we successfully implemented the electronic grant management system for trainee awards. Along with this new electronic system, we undertook the development of the Manitoba Directory of Heath Researchers, providing a much needed source of Manitoba’s health research talent.

This year the Research Advisory Committee was established with representation from different sectors of the Manitoba Health Research Community. We welcome Dr. Harvey Chochinov MD, PhD, FRCPC as Chair of this committee. The committee serves an important role and provides science based recommendations to MHRC Council for new research programs, research related opportunities and peer review issues. The New Year began with a great start at MHRC when we recruited Dr. Jim Davie as the Executive Director. The genesis of a new post, the Chief Operating Offi cer, held by Christina Weise, expanded our skill set and effectiveness. Working with MHRC Council and the Research Advisory Committee, Jim and Christina have established the framework for two exciting new advisory roles for MHRC. Fulfi lling the mandate of MHRC to provide advice to the Provincial Government in matters pertaining to Health Research, at the request of the Department of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines, MHRC is engaged in two activities; 1) providing advice and recommendations on the indirect costs of health research and 2) providing advice on the merits of the proposals received by Department of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines from health care institutions/foundations for fi nancial support for initiatives, include proposed development of infrastructure and operating costs related to health research.

In closing I thank those health researchers that volunteered their time to reviewing grant applications in our various competitions. Your support provides the backbone of the Manitoba health research enterprise and is invaluable in the success of MHRC in enhancing the competitiveness and success of the health

research community.

Dr. Dean Sandham

The success of our coordinated studentship, fellowship and clinical research fellowship programs is a clear demonstration of the powerful benefi t of alignment and collaboration. New partnerships with Manitoba Lung Association, University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships, Manitoba Medical College Foundation in addition to our original four partners, CancerCare Manitoba, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Health Sciences Centre Foundation and St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation are very effective.


Message from the Executive Director

This year was also the fi rst for the coordinated

trainee competition which brought together

MHRC, CancerCare Manitoba, Health Science

Centre Foundation, Manitoba Institute of Child

Health and St. Boniface Hospital and Research

Foundation. By collaborating with the different

institutions in one competition, we increased the

amount of trainees supported and reduced the

workload on the reviewers who used to sit on the

numerous committees when the competitions were

held separately. In 2009, three additional partners

were added to the competition – the Manitoba

Lung Association, the Manitoba Medical College

Foundation, and the University of Manitoba

Graduate Fellowship Program.

In 2008/09 MHRC adopted the Canadian Common

CV (CCCV) as the mechanism for applicants to

provide their CV information to MHRC and also

moved to an electronic grants management system

for the trainee award competitions. Modeled after a

system in Quebec, the eGMS allows the applicants

to enter and submit their CV and application

information electronically and continues the process

through the review meetings. In its inaugural use,

the system worked well and was well received by

the applicants and reviewers. I would like to thank

the MHRC staff and Andrea Downey-Franchuk,

who worked tirelessly on the implementation

throughout the year to get the system ready for our

December launch. I would also like to thank the

staff at eVision for their expertise and support of the

implementation.

Developing indicators to measure the impact of

MHRC’s funding continued to develop in partnership

with the NAPHRO organizations. One highlight was

the release of the assessment report by the Canadian

Academy of Health Sciences entitled “Making an

Impact: A preferred Framework and Indicators to

Measure Returns on Investment in Health Research”.

The Council also spent part of the year developing a

set of bylaws and governance policies which enhance

the organization’s accountability framework, critical

for any organization which is using tax payers money

to support its mandate. One outcome of this work

was the establishment of the Research Advisory

Committee which was created to provide the Council

with scientifi c advice on its review processes and

committees, provide strategic advice on health

research trends and support the Council in its

advisory role to the Minister of Science, Technology,

Energy and Mines.

This year also saw many changes to the staff of

MHRC. For four months beginning in April, Dr. Don

Smyth did a wonderful job as Executive Director

while I was on maternity leave. We welcomed

Kristen Hooper as our new full time Administrative

Assistant in August and Dr. Jim Davie in his new role

as Executive Director in January.

In conclusion, it has been a very exciting year for the

Council, undertaking new initiatives and adding staff

and increasing the coordination and collaboration

of the activities of the health research community in

Manitoba. On a personal note, I would like to thank

the staff for their continued dedication and hard

work in support of our mandate, thank the RAC and

committee members for their advice which is the

core of any granting agency and thank the Council

members for their sage strategic direction which

has allowed the MHRC to grow beyond its granting

council roots into an organization which builds the

capacity of health research in the province.

Christina Weise

Executive Director

April – December 2008

CHRISTINA WEISE

2008/09 was a transformative year for MHRC, beginning with the full implementation of two new programs. We supported three new Manitoba Research Chairs to scientists who were identifi ed as rising stars in health research. We also provided salaries for three clinical fellows which supports clinicians in their research training, a fundamental component of any successful health research environment.

MHRC’s funding continued to develop in partnership


Message from the Executive Director

The success of this program to support talented graduate students and postdoctoral fellows rests initially

with the eagerness of the 2008 partners; Manitoba Institute of Child Health, St. Boniface Research

Centre, CancerCare Manitoba and the Health Sciences Centre Foundation. These partners helped

MHRC streamline the review process and support as many gifted trainees as possible. We all appreciate

that these trainees are the “life-blood” of research labs in Manitoba and supporting this component

of the research enterprise is a strength of collaborative venture of MHRC and its partners. New to the

review process of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows was the introduction of the electronic

management system. The MHRC staff persevered and worked out most of the “bugs” in the electronic

management system, and the system was ready to receive a fl ood of applications for the 2009-2010

competition.

Working with the MHRC Council, Research Advisory Committee and Christina Weise, we embarked on

two endeavours in which the MHRC advisory role to the Provincial Government was engaged. These

proceedings included providing advice on a program to support the indirect costs of health research in

Manitoba and on the health related infrastructure projects.

It has been an exciting beginning in which I have come to appreciate the talents and dedication of the

staff, Council members and the Research Advisory Committee of the Manitoba Health Research Council.

Dr. Jim Davie

Executive Director

From January 2009

Taking the role of Executive Director of the Manitoba Health Research Council has been an exciting transition in my career path. Among the various programs delivered by MHRC, the coordinated competition stands out.

DR. JIM DAVIE

Dr. Jim Davie


Dr. Jim Davie

Executive Director (from January 2009)

Ms Christina Weise

Executive Director (to January 2009)

Chief Operating Offi cer (from January 2009)

Ms Shannon Rogalski

Manager, Funding Programs

Ms Liz Ford

Administrative Offi cer

Ms Kristen Hooper

Administrative Assistant

Council Secretariat


Grants and AwardsFUNDING PROGRAMS

Table 1: 2008 NEW APPLICATIONS, FUNDABLE AND FUNDED AWARDS

Grant Category

Received Recommended Approved

No. $ No. $ No. $

Manitoba Research Chairs 8 800,000 7 700,000 3 300,000Establishment Grants 15 680,985 9 441,166 6 319,070 Operating Grants 18 977,548 7 423,813 5 273,523 Clinical Fellowship Awards 6 219,000 5 182,500 3 109,500 Fellowship Awards 31 1,185,750 26 994,500 17 459,000 Studentship Awards 99 1,767,150 63 1,124,550 53 703,092 PhD Dissertation Awards 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bridge Funding 2 53,000 2 53,000 2 53,000 CIHR-RPP Grants 14 647,310 13 563,186 Sponsorships 5 15,500 5 15,500 5 15,500 TOTAL 184 5,698,933 138 4,582,339 107 2,795,871

MHRC was established by an Act of the

Legislature June 30, 1982 to promote and

assist basic, clinical and applied research

in the health sciences in Manitoba and

advise the Minister on health research

matters that are referred to Council.

Our funding programs remain the core

mechanism by which the Council achieves

its mandate.

Through MHRC’s long history, our focus

has been on building capacity for health

research in Manitoba by targeting funding

towards new researchers, new recruits

to Manitoba and research trainees. In

each of our programs we encourage and

support a broad range of human health

research including basic biomedical,

clinical research, health services and

health systems research and research into

the cultural, social and environmental

determinants of health.

In 2008/09 Council approved over $2.79

million in research grants, awards and

sponsorships (See Table 1 for details). The

following section describes the funding

programs and offers a list of recipients

approved this year.


“The support of MHRC has accelerated my research, allowing me to use state-of-the-art techniques to test research questions. In addition, the stability in funding has allowed me to retain key technical personnel. I’m very grateful for MHRC’s support for myself and my trainees.”DR. JEFFREY WIGLE

“This award has allowed me to signifi cantly increase my research team and to explore new areas of research such as testing novel herbal compounds that are used by herbalists in Nigeria to treat the symptoms of HIV infection.”DR. KEITH FOWKE

“The support my lab has received from MHRC is terrifi c. It’s provided us with the freedom and fl exibility to pursue our goals without worrying about other funding. As a result, we’re not dependent on multi-source funding and it’s created opportunities for us to be more global in our scope.” DR. SPENCER GIBSON

Manitoba Research Chairs

1111

DR. KEITH FOWKEDEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, FACULTY OF SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

Allowing Nature to Direct

Vaccine Design

Dr. Keith Fowke’s research into

understanding how the human immune

response fi ghts off viral infections has

taken him around the world and he trusts

that his work will lead to new vaccines for

HIV and infl uenza. The Manitoba-trained

researcher directs the Viral Immunology

Laboratory at the University of Manitoba

and he and his team are currently studying

the role of a class of white blood cells, or

T-cells, in HIV and infl uenza infections.

“The central theme of the lab is utilizing

natural exceptions to the rule,” Dr.

Fowkes states. “By studying people who

are exposed to HIV and not infected,

those who are infected with HIV but

who are controlling their virus, those

who are highly susceptible to HIV

infection and those that control infl uenza

infection, we’re able to gain insight into

the correlates of protection from viral

infection or disease progression that are so

vital for the development of vaccines.”

To achieve its research goals, the lab is

collaborating with a group of partners

within the international scientifi c

community. “The future benefi t of our

focused and collaborative research will

be a vaccine for HIV and advanced

treatments for those who are already

infected,” notes Dr. Fowkes.

DR. SPENCER GIBSONDEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY & MEDICAL GENETICS, MANITOBA INSTITUTE OF CELL BIOLOGY, CANCER CARE MANITOBA

Defining Signals of Death and Survival in Cancer Cells

Dr. Spencer Gibson is defi ning the signals

controlling death and survival in cancer

cells by determining the regulation of a

death receptor-induced death and the

role of proteins BNIP3 and Md-un. By

using molecular targeting approaches,

Dr. Gibson and his laboratory staff are

selectively activating the death signals

within cancer cells and investigating

growth factor proteins such as EGF and

how molecular therapies could block this

survival mechanism.

“The balance between cell death and

survival is fundamentally important in

maintaining the integrity of complex

organisms, such as humans, and when

this balance is altered, diseases such

as cancer can occur,” relates Dr. Gibson

who established his lab with Cancer

Care Manitoba in 1998. “Our research,

we believe, will lead to rationale targeted

strategies that treat cancers by selectively

inducing cell death and blocking cell

survival pathways in cancer cells.”

Dr. Gibson has also established a

transitional research program to bring

these discoveries to cancer patients

through population health studies that

identify groups of people with aggressive

disease. “We ‘re verifying potential

therapies and developing clinical trials

with treatment that targets these cell

death and survival proteins,” he notes.

“The program truly embraces the motto,

benchside to bedside and back again for a

cancer-free Manitoba.”

DR. JEFFREY WIGLEDEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY & MEDICAL GENETICS, ST. BONIFACE HOSPITAL RESEARCH CENTRE

Discovering New Ways to

Regulate Vascular Growth

In healthy humans, blood vessels supply

oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues

while lymphatic vessels perform similarly

but do not transport red blood cells.

In some diseases, such as heart attack,

reduced blood supply restricts the growth

of blood vessels that rescue damaged

heart muscle. Cancer, on the other hand,

activates the lymphatics, which leads to

new vessels that help tumours grow and

spread.

Dr. Jeffrey Wigle, who arrived in Winnipeg

in 2001 after studying at Queen’s

University, the University of Ottawa and

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

in Memphis, Tennessee, is studying

how a group of homeobox genes called

transcription factors – specifi cally Prox1

(lymphatics) and Meox1 and Meox2

(blood vessels) – can control the growth

of the blood and lymphatic systems by

regulating the expression of key target

genes.

“Our research will lead to improved

methods of regulating the growth of

lymphatic and blood vessels which will

aid in the treatment of cancer and heart

disease,” explains Dr. Wigle. “With new

clinical approaches, we’ll be able to block

the growth and spread of tumours and

promote blood vessel growth to help in

heart attack recovery. And, by nurturing

lymphatic growth, we’ll help resolve

symptoms of lymphatic insuffi ciency

which is a frequent side effect of breast

cancer treatment.”

Dr. Jeffrey Wigle Dr. Keith Fowke Dr. Spencer Gibson


“Support from MHRC is a critical starting point for my research program. It can be diffi cult for young researchers to obtain the support necessary to start a research program and to get the necessary data to compete for funding from other funding sources. MHRC’s support has already facilitated other grants which helps me build on the present project.”DR. RUTH ANN MARRIE


Establishment Grants Establishment Grants support recently recruited faculty members, who show exceptional promise. These funds allow the establishment of their research programs which will enable successful application for national and international research funding. The awards, for up to $100,000 to be used within a 3-year period, provide support for a variety of purposes, e.g. buy-out of teaching time, salary for research personnel (other than the applicant’s salary), purchase of equipment and supplies, etc. RECIPIENT, DEPARTMENT, INSTITUTION

Chelikani, Prashen, Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry,

University of Manitoba. Title: Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of

g-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)

Fernyhough, Paul, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine,

University of Manitoba/SBRC. Title: Mechanisms of axonal degeneration in

diabetes.

Fry, Mark, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of

Manitoba. Title: Neuronal plasticity in the area postrema: roles in regulation of

energy homeostasis.

Kumar, Anand, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,

University of Manitoba. Title: Optimization and Development of Novel

Antimicrobial Strategies for Therapy of Septic Shock.

Li, Xin-Min, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of

Manitoba. Title: Neuroprotective effects and new mechanisms of action of

antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics.

Marrie, Ruth Ann, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,

University of Manitoba. Title: The impact of Comorbidity on Multiple Sclerosis

and its Complications.

McGavock, Jonathan, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of

Medicine, University of Manitoba. Title: Physical activity for the prevention and

management of Type 2 Diabetes in Youth.

Miller, Donald, Department of Pharmacolgy, Faculty of Medicine, University

of Manitoba. Title: Modulation of blood-brain barrier permeability in health

disease.

Smith, Stephen, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University

of Winnipeg. Title: The functional Consequences of Neurological Treatments for

Medial-Temporal-Lobe Epilepsy.

DR. RUTH ANN MARRIEDEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, FACULTY OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

Translating Findings into Treatments

The long-term goal of Dr. Ruth Ann Marrie’s research into the impact of co-existing health conditions on multiple sclerosis (MS) is improve the health and well-being of patients with the chronic and disabling disease that affects more than 50,000 Canadians. Dr. Marrie, who received her Ph.D. in epidemiology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, is confi dent that her research will lead to improved individual prognoses, fresh research paths and new treatment methods.

“My interest is in the relationship of comorbidities, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, to MS and this study will identify what comorbidities occur, how often and whether this differs from what we see in persons without multiple sclerosis,” she says.

According to Dr. Marrie, comorbidities, which increase with age, are common in the general population and are associated with higher mortality, increased use of health care services and reduced quality of life. Little is known about which comorbidities are most common in MS and her program will help determine their infl uence on MS-related health outcomes. The ultimate goal, she says, is to translate the project’s fi ndings into treatments.

“By discovering if a particular comorbidity negatively affects MS, then treating that condition more aggressively could potentially improve outcome,” she explains.

Dr. Ruth Ann Marrie


“The funding from MHRC has enabled me to further develop my program of research and be able to recruit graduate student trainees to work on this project. This is extremely important, given the shortage of researchers working in this fi eld.”DR. SHAHIN SHOOSHTARI


Operating Grants MHRC’s Operating grants are open to recently recruited faculty members and are designed to defray the normal costs of research. Grants are awarded for either one or two years enabling researchers to successfully obtain national and international funding.RECIPIENT, DEPARTMENT, INSTITUTION

Bolton, James, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of

Manitoba. Title: Suicide attempts in the general population: examining risk and

protective factors.

Chelikani, Prashen, Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry,

University of Manitoba. Title: Towards elucidation of the active state structures

of beta2-adrenergic rectpor (ß2-AR) (Equipment only)

Jassal, Davinder, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital

Research Centre. Title: The prophylactic use of renin inhibition, ACE inhibition

and/or angiotensin receptor blockade in the prevention of trastuzumab

mediated cardiomyopathy.

Jilkina, Olga, Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of

Manitoba. Title: Evalutaion of coronary microvessel disease in rodent models or

diabetes and heart failure.

Kung, Sam, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of

Manitoba. Title: Expression level of CD40 is a key regulator of dendritic cell

functions.

Mookherjee, Neeloffer, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,

University of Manitoba. Title: Analysis of immunomodulatory peptides for

selectively limiting escalation of infl ammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

Shooshtari, Shahin, Department of Family Social Sicneces, Faculty of Human

Ecology, University of Manitoba. Title: Trajectories in health and use of health

and social services by children with developmental disabilities: A population-

based longitutdinal study.

DR. SHAHIN SHOOSHTARIDEPARTMENT OF FAMILY SOCIAL SCIENCES, FACULTY OF HUMAN ECOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

Providing Invaluable Information About

Disabled Children

Although extensive information exists about the

general health of Manitoba children, there is a

lack of knowledge and data about the well-being

of children living with intellectual/developmental

disabilities. Dr. Shahin Shooshtari and several

colleagues are linking data from multiple sources –

medical, educational and social – to describe and

compare health status, changes in health and use

of health care and social services between children

with disabilities and those without.

“Using the linked administrative data from multiple

sources, we’re looking at a number of indicators

to describe health status and changes over time

that include mortality rates, chronic conditions

such as diabetes, depression, other mental illnesses,

respiratory conditions, rates of injuries, proportion

of experienced violence and any indications of

child abuse,” remarks Dr. Shooshtari who received

her Ph.D. in Community Health Sciences from the

University of Manitoba.

With the study, Dr. Shooshtari and his colleagues

aspire to provide invaluable information on

common health issues and conditions and unmet

health and social services needs among children

living with intellectual/developmental disabilities

in Manitoba.

“This information can be used by health and

social planners and government offi cials to make

evidence-informed decisions about these children

as they develop through childhood, adolescence and

into adulthood,” Dr. Shooshtari explains.

Dr. Shahin Shooshtari

16 Manitoba Health Research CouncilManitoba Health Research Council

Clinical Fellowship Awards RECIPIENT (SUPERVISOR) DEPARTMENT, INSTITUTION

Kumar, Kanwal

(Dr. Rakesh C. Arora &

Dr. Davinder S. Jassal)

Department of Surgery,

Faculty of Medicine,

University of Manitoba.

Title: Can Statin Therapy

Alter the Natural History of

Bioprosthetic Valves?

Leung, Edward

(Dr. Cheryl R Greenberg)

Department of Pediatrics

& Child Health, Faculty

of Medicine, University of

Manitoba.

Title: Utilization of MR

spectroscopy for the

Assessment of Effi cacy of

Treatment for Glutaric

Aciduria Type 1.

Wicklow, Brandy

(Dr. Jon McGavock &

Dr. Elizabeth Sellers)

Department of Pediatrics,

& Child Health, Faculty

of Medicine, University of

Manitoba.

Title: The role of

pancreatic steatosis in

the pathophysiology and

progression of type 2

diabetes in adolescents.

“It’s vitally important to receive fi nancial support from MHRC. It allows me to grow and develop as a researcher. Through MHRC’s generosity, I’m able to study a relatively rare disease but also to investigate a potentially useful, non-invasive neuroimaging technique that can have broad applications.”DR. EDWARD LEUNG

“As a clinician, it’s imperative that the foundation of a research career is fostered prior to taking on a full-time clinical practice. The two years of funding from MHRC provides an opportunity to learn and expand on various techniques that will help form a strong footing on which to build my future research endeavours.”DR. BRANDY WICKLOW

“As a Manitoba graduate, with roots and ties to this province, it’s very important to have MHRC recognize this novel research so that I may stay and work here. Because my research is in a new fi eld with signifi cant bench-to-bedside potential, being funded through MHRC is the Manitoba connection that makes it all possible.”DR. KANWAL KUMAR

1717

DR. KANWAL KUMARDEPARTMENT OF SURGERY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

Extending the Lifespan and

Use of Tissue Heart Valves

Heart valve surgery is the world’s second

most common heart surgery procedure.

Surgeons have two main artifi cial

replacements at their disposal – metal and

tissue – but both types have signifi cant

risks. Metal valves are durable but the

patient must take life-long, blood-thinning

drugs, which in some cases can be life

threatening. Tissue valves do not require

blood-thinning drugs but they will

eventually fail and lead to high risk, open-

heart surgery.

Dr. Kanwal Kumar, a Manitoba-trained

cardiac surgery resident, is researching

how tissue valves fail and if medications

can be utilized extend their use “Though

tissue valves are employed in over 60

per cent of heart valve surgeries, little is

known as to how and why they eventually

fail,” Dr. Kumar notes. “Our research will

help provide insight into this mechanism.”

With his research, Dr. Kumar is confi dent

that if the methods of failure can be

explained. He believes that better

engineering and medical interventions can

be employed, with the goal of developing

tissue valves that are as durable as metal

but do not require blood-thinning therapy.

“This will provide younger, active

individuals, and women of child-bearing

age an opportunity to have a tissue valve

implanted without risking failure and

high risk open-heart surgery,” Dr. Kumar

explains.

DR. BRANDY WICKLOWDEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS, FACULTY OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

Expanding Knowledge About

T2DM in Youth

Once considered an adults-only disease,

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is

increasingly affecting youth, thanks to

growing obesity in this age group. Studies

with animals suggest that fat accumulation

within the pancreas interferes with insulin

secretion and is a causal mechanism

involved in early-onset T2DM.

Dr. Brandy Wicklow, a pediatric

edocrinologist who received her initial

medical degree from the University of

Manitoba, is conducting research into

T2DM using non-invasive MRI techniques

to measure fat inside the pancreas of youth

with the disease. She’s trying to ascertain if

a similar mechanism as that found in the

animal studies explains the condition of

youth with T2DM.

“This technology will help us understand

the earliest metabolic disturbances

involved in the progression to diabetes in

overweight individuals,” says Dr. Wicklow.

“We’ll compare the amount of pancreatic

fat between three groups: lean youth

without diabetes, overweight at risk of

T2DM and overweight and diagnosed.

We’ll also test their pancreatic function

with a sophisticated glucose challenge. We

expect that adolescents with elevated levels

of pancreatic fat will have lower levels of

insulin secretion when glucose challenged.”

According to Dr. Wicklow, the ultimate goal

of her study is to expand the understanding

of T2DM’s causes in youth, potentially

allowing for earlier detection and enhanced

development of targeted treatment and

prevention strategies.

DR. EDWARD LEUNGDEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS, FACULTY OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

Using Technology to Understand Brain

Injury in Children

Glutaric Acidiemia Type 1 (GA1) is a

hereditary metabolic disease that causes

severe brain injury in children around the

world but it also occurs more frequently in

Canadian Oji-Cree First Nation communities

(approximately one in 400 children). It is

an irreversible disease whose rarity makes

it diffi cult to determine the effectiveness

of treatment. As well, research with animal

models has so far been unable to uncover

the precise mechanism of injury.

Dr. Edward Leung, a research fellow at the

University of Manitoba, is utilizing magnetic

resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to non-

invasively image the specifi c brain areas that

are prone to GA1 injuries. MRS procedures

will be performed on GA1 patients in

acute crisis prior to and after standardized

treatment that follows international

guidelines.

“The results will be correlated with the

clinical course in the patients to help us

understand the mechanisms of brain injury

in GA1 and to determine the utility of MRS

as a diagnostic and evaluative technique,”

relates Dr. Leung, who studied in Toronto,

Saskatoon and at the Mayo Clinic.

By using MRS to develop chemical

evaluation techniques, Dr. Leung hopes

to be able to diagnose and treat diseases

other than GA1 that also involve chemical

abnormalities in the brain.

Dr. Edward Leung Dr. Brandy Wicklow

Dr. Kanwal Kumar


DR. DEDMER SCHAAFSMADEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY AND INTERNAL MEDICINE, FACULTY OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

Pinpointing New Treatment Targets

in Asthma Research

Through his research, Dr. Dedmer Schaafsma

is seeking to identify new treatment targets

that may inhibit and perhaps even reverse

the progression of asthma, a disease whose

prevalence and morbidity is steadily rising.

In Canada alone, Dr. Schaafsma says, asthma

infl icts 12 per cent of children and six per cent

of adults.

“The health effects and economic burden of

asthma makes it absolutely crucial to pinpoint

new targets and develop new treatments,” he says.

Dr. Schaafsma’s research focuses on statins,

a drug that is widely used in cardiovascular

disease and well tolerated. “Our studies assess

the effects of statins on airway remodeling, and

in particular, on airway wall fi brosis which is a

process that contributes directly to airway wall

thickening and as such to airfl ow limitation,”

he explains. “We’re on the verge of investigating

whether statins can prevent and/or reverse

airway infl ammation and remodeling in a live

mouse model of chronic asthma.”

Dr. Schaafsma, who received his PhD from the

University of Groningen in The Netherlands,

believes his analysis will help further explain the

molecular mechanisms that drive pathological

features of airway diseases. He says, his

research may also help identify whether statins

can be used as an effective pharmacological

intervention in the treatment of airway wall

remodeling.

“Receiving support from MHRC is pivotal for my training to become an independent research scientist. Moreover, it allows me to interact on an international platform, further shaping an important network. This may lead to fruitful collaborations and ultimately better understanding of chronic airway diseases.”DR. DEDMER SCHAAFSMA

Dr. Dedmer Schaafsma


Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards A limited number of fellowships are available to outstanding candidates with a doctoral degree whose prior postdoctoral research training normally does not exceed 3 years. Postdoctoral Fellows are a critical component of the research enterprise enhancing the work of established investigators and these awards support the development of the next generation of researchers.

RECIPIENT (SUPERVISOR) DEPARTMENT, INSTITUTION

Ande, Sudharsana Rao (Dr. Suresh Mishra) Department of

Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba.

Name of Award: MHRC Fellowship Award Title: Insight into the

role of prohibitin in EGF mediated signalling mechanisms.

Bai, Aiping (Dr. Zhikang Peng) Department of Pediatrics & Child

Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of

Award: MHRC/MICH Fellowship Award Title: A new therapeutic

strategy for treatment and study of immune mechanisms in IBD-

novel vaccines to down-regulate pathogenic cytokines and induce

immune anergy in murine colitis

Bai, Hong (Dr. Xi Yang) Department of Medical Microbiology,

Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award:

MHRC Fellowship Award Title: Effect of Natural Killer T Cells

(NKT) on Dendritic Cells (DCs) development in allergy and

asthma

Begic, Sanela (Dr. Leigh Murphy) Department of Physiology,


MHRC/CancerCare Fellowship Award Title: Breast Cancer

Progression to Estrogen Independence Determining the

Mechanisms by which human breast cancer cells progress from

estrogen dependence to independence and how breast cancers

develop resistance to antiestrogens

Ishdorj, Ganchimeg (Dr. Spencer Gibson) Department of

Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine,

University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/CancerCare

Fellowship Award. Title: Lysophospatidic Acid (LPA) and its

Survival Mechanism in CLL cells.

Lacoste, Sandrine (Dr. Sabine Mai) Department of Physiology, Faculty

of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: CancerCare

Fellowship Award Title: Genomic instability and three-dimensional

telomere organization in freshly EBV-infected human B cells.

Lawrence, Jane (Dr. Jonathan Marotta) Department of

Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Manitoba. Name of

Award: MHRC Fellowship Award Title: Neuroimaging of the

neural networks of visuomotor adaptation in humans.

Louis, Sherif (Dr. Peter Zahradka) Department of Physiology,


MHRC Fellowship Award Title: Modulation of Vascular Smooth

Muscle Cell Phenotype by AngII

Loewen, Mark (Dr. Allan Becker) Department of Pediatrics &

Child Health, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/

MICH Fellowship Award Title: Origins of Asthma in early life:

What is the role of Perfl uorinated chemicals in indoor enviroment.

Ozturk, Arzu (Dr. Geoff Hicks) Department of Biochemistry and

Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba.

Name of Award: CancerCare Fellowship Award Title: The

Molecular Mechanism of De Novo Transforming Activities of TLS-

ERG in vivo.

Patel, Trushar (Dr. Jörg Stetefeld) Department of Chemistry,

Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba. Name of Award:

MHRC/CancerCare/MICH Fellowship Award Title: Investigation

of Recombinant agrin as a therapeutic agent.

Schaafsma, Dedmer (Dr. Andrew Halayko) Department of

Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name

of Award: MHRC/MICH Fellowship Award Title: Statins as a

therapeutical intervention in airway remodelling in asthma?

Sekar, Ashok Kumar (Dr. Spencer Gibson) Department of

Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University

of Manitoba. Name of Award: CancerCare Fellowship Award Title:

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors as potential targets for

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) treatment.

Zhang, Handi (Dr. Xin-Min Li) Department of Psychiatry, Faculty

of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC

Fellowship Award Title: New Insights into the Action of Atypical

Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Schizophrenia: Effects on

Cuprizone-induced Demyelination and Remyelination.

Zhao, Zhaohui (Dr. Mohammed Moghadasian) Department

of Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology,

University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Fellowship Award

Title: An investigation of pharmacokinetic and mechanisms

of anti-atherogenic properties of ferulic acid in experimental

animals.

RECIPIENT (SUPERVISOR) DEPARTMENT, INSTITUTION


“MHRC is a prestigious support agency and the studentships provided by it are coveted by any graduate student in science. By achieving this studentship, I have been placed among successful researchers who won this award in the past. It’s given me more confi dence to continue the work I’m doing.”ALINA-GABRIELA SOFRONESCU


Graduate Studentship Awards A limited number of studentships are offered to excellent graduate students who are undertaking full-time Master’s or Doctoral programs in the Province of Manitoba. These awards also aim to develop the next generation of researchers and improve the productivity of a research lab by funding graduate students. RECIPIENT (SUPERVISOR) DEPARTMENT, INSTITUTION

Ahmadie, Roien (Dr. Davinder Jassal) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/SBRC Studentship Award Title: The interaction of hyperlipidemia and NOS3 on left ventricular remodelling after pressure-induced overload.

Alpuche Aviles, Jorge Edmundo (Dr. Stephen Pistorius) Department of Physics & Astronomy, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/CancerCare Studentship Award Title: Quantitative scatter enhanced computed tomography (CT) for improved breast tissue diagnosis.

Azordegan, Nazila (Dr. M. Moghadasian) Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/SBRC Studentship Award Title: Characterizations of transplant coronary atherosclerosis in rats: Prevention of transplant coronary atherosclerosis by dietary plant sterols.

Baudry, Patricia (Dr. Daryl Hoban) Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Characterization of Multi-Drug Resistant Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Escherichia coli from Patients in Canadian Hospitals.

Begum, Farhana (Dr. Emma Frost) Department of Human Anatomy & Cell Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH Studentship Award Title: Multiple Sclerosis induced neuropathic pain.

Camus, Gaelle (Dr. Steven Jones) Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Characterization of the immune response to vaccines against Lassa Fever.

Chan, Mable (Dr. Ute Stroeher) Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Characterizing the effectiveness of SKI-1 inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy against New and Old World Arenaviruses.

Chopek, Jeremy (Dr. Philip Gardiner) Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: The effect of aging and caloric restriction has on motor neuron properties and viability.

Desanghere, Loni (Dr. Jonathan Marotta) Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Eye movements and visuomotor behaviour: What are you looking at?

Dionne, Benjamin Dionne, Benjamin (Dr. Mike Butler) Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Title: Determining and Understanding the glycosylation patterns of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.

ALINA-GABRIELA SOFRONESCUDEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

Identifying the Gene that Controls

Cell Growth in the Heart

Until death, our hearts contains essentially the

same number of muscle cells that were present at

birth. That’s suffi cient until we suffer a heart attack

and some of our heart muscle dies.

Because the remaining cells are no longer effi cient

at dividing and regenerating, the heart then

compensates by increasing in size (hypertrophy).

Beyond a certain capacity, the heart will fail.

Through her work, Alina-Gabriela Sofronescu

has helped identify a gene coding for the growth

factor FGF-16 that switches on around the time of

birth and is linked to growth changes during this

period. Ms. Sonfronescu is interested in the signals

that might contribute to changes in the growth of

heart muscle cells around birth and how they’re

controlled. So far, she says, her research has focused

on how the gene is regulated.

“The research will give us a more complete

understanding of how genes are switched on in the

heart,” states Ms. Sofronescu, a native of Romania

who is studying for her Ph.D. at the University of

Manitoba. “Also, if FGF-16 or its signaling are shown

to be potentially benefi cial after heart injury, then

there’s a real possibility of identifying additional

therapeutic targets to reduce the negative effect to a

survivor of a heart attack.”

Alina-Gabriela Sofronescu


Douville, Josette (Dr. Jeffrey Wigle) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Regulation of the FOXO4 gene by the homeodomain transcription factor MEOX2 in endothelial cells.

Edmundson, Carmen (Dr. Donald W. Miller) Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Identifying novel agents to lessen neurological and functional defi cits following stroke.

Enns, Jennifer (Dr. Karmin O) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Regulation of Lipid Metabolism by Natural Health Products.

Fonseca, Mario (Dr. David Eisenstat) Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/CancerCare/MICH Studentship Award Title: DLX transcription factors in intestinal development and colon cancer.

Hall, Lelanie (Dr. Jiming Kong) Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Protein oxidation as a mechanism of neuronal death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Hauff, Kristin (Dr. Grant Hatch) Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH Studentship Award Title: The Effect of the Barth Syndrome Gene, TAZ, on Cholesterol Biosynthesis.

Hynes, Tyler (Dr. Andrew Halayko) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH Studentship Award Title: Role of Caveolae and Caveolins in Pro-Infl ammatory Responses and Changes in Lung Function in Acute Exposure to House Dust Mite.

James, Terrence (Dr. Brian Mark) Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Determining the crystallographic structure of OUT-like Protease from the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus.

Kaefer, Nadine (Dr. Francis Plummer) Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Gene expression in the female tract and the immune repsonse to HIV.

Khan, Dilshad Hussain (Dr. Jim Davie) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/CancerCare Studentship Award Title: Uncovering the role of HDAC2 Phosphorylation in regulating its interaction with Histone binding protein RbAp48.

Kim, Eun Ran (Dr. Tooru Mizuno) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: The Effect of Xenin on Energy Balance and Hypothalmic Activation

Labine, Meaghan (Dr. Gerald Minuk) Department of Pharmacology Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: An epidemiological and laboratory based study of the association between cyanobacterial hepatoxins on the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma in Canada, and the use of cyanobacterial hepatoxins in the therapeutic treatment of hepatocellular carcin

Li, Hongzhao (Dr. Aaron Marshall) Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Role of TAPP Proteins in Regulating the Chemotaxis of B-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells.

Liu, Dong (Dr. Jude Uzonna) Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: The p110delta isoform of phosphoinostide 3 kinase (P13K) controls the quality of secondary anti-leishmanial immunity by regulating expansion and function of memory T cell subsets.

Ma, Xin (Dr. Elissavet Kardami) Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Studies on the mechanism og high molecular weight FGF-2-induced cell death.

Martinez, Lourdes (Dr. David McCrea) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Contralateral refl exes during locomotion.

Mohajeri, Sanaz (Dr. Ian Smith) Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Early Detection of Cholangiocarcinoma in PSC Patients In-vivo Using MR Imaging and Spectroscopy.

Nafez, Solmaz (Dr. Benedict Albensi) Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH/SBHRF Studentship Award Title: The role of NF-kB in neuronal activity dependent gene expression.

Panigrahi, Soumya (Dr. Janice Dodd & Dr. Spencer Gibson) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/CancerCare Studentship Award Title: Apoptin and its derivatives as molecular clues towards the development of novel tyrosine kinase inhibitiors.

Pollard, Gail (Dr. James Thliveris & Dr. James Scott) Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH Studentship Award Title: Lung development and Fungal spores: in vitro and in vivo comparisons.

Protudjer, Jennifer (Dr. Gustaaf Sevenhuysen & Dr. Allan Becker) Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH Studentship Award Title: Temporal Associations between obesity and asthma in pubertal children: A multimethod substudy of the gender-related evolution of asthma team (GREATice)

Rachid, Ousama (Dr. Keith Simons) Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH Studentship Award Title: The Effects of Non-Medicinal ingredients on the absorption of epinephrine from sublingual tablets.

Graduate Studentship Awards CONTINUED


Rashedi, Iran (Dr. Philip Gardiner) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: The role of Dnase-X in skeletal muscle function addressed by targeted disruption of the gene in murine model.

Salame, Joumana (Dr. James Elliot Scott) Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH Studentship Award Title: Periodontal ligament and respiratory lung cells altered MMPs expression upon exposure to cigarette smoke extract.

Sandhu, Sumit (Dr. Hao Ding) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Transgenic dissection of DNA helicase to determine its role in development of clorectal cancer.

Sangle, Ganesh Vishwanath (Dr. Garry Shen) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Signal transduction mechanisms involved in glycated oxidized LDL induced production of fi brinolytic regulators in vascular endothelial cells.

Shepherd, Erin (Dr. Roberta Woodgate) , Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH Studentship Award Title: The Lived Experience of Parents Caring for Children who have Completed Treatment for Childhood Cancer.

Shields, Caroline (Dr. Michael Mowat) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/CancerCare Studentship Award Title: The role of Dlc-2 in ceramide signalling to PGP synthase.

Sivro, Aida (Dr. Francis Plummer) Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Effect of Interferon Regulatory Factor-1 Polymorphisms, Associated with Resistance to HIV-1 Infection in highly exposed uninfected Kenyan sex workers.

Sofronescu, Alina-Gabriela (Dr. Peter A. Cattini) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH Studentship Award Title: Characterization of fi broblast growth factor 16 (FGF-16) promoter activity in postnatal cardiac cells in vitro and in vivo.

Udenigwe, Chibuike (Dr. Rotimi Aluko) Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Novel Calmodulin-binding peptides from fl axseed proteins-potential benefi ts in human health and diseases.

ur-Rehman, Fazal (Dr. Stephen Pistorius) Department of Physics and Astronomy (Medical Physics), Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/CancerCare Title: Characterization of 2D Planar Arrays of Transmission Ion Chamber Detector as an IMRT Dosimetric Tool.

Venugopal, Niranjan (Dr. Boyd McCurdy) Department of Medical Physics/ Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/CancerCare Studentship Award Title: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging for Improved Treatment Planning of Prostate Cancer.

Vora, Parvez (Dr. Emma Frost) Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH Studentship Award Title: Role of transcription factor,MeCP2 in regulation in Rett Syndrome.

Weng, Jiequn (Dr. Jiming Kong) Department f Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH Studentship Award Title: Protecting hypoxia-induced neuronal death by targeting the BNIP3 death gene family.

Williamson, Kathryn (Dr. Lorna Jakobson) Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH Studentship Award Title: Detection of biological motion in adolescents born prematurely and aged-matched controls.

Wojciechowski, Peter (Dr. Thomas Netticadan) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: The potential of resveratrol in preventing cardiac hypertrophy due to volume overload/Cardiovascular Physiology.

Wu, Nan (Dr. Karmin O) Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Regulation of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Expression during liver injury.

Yan, Yi (Dr. Etienne Leygue) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/CancerCare Studentship Award Title: The steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA)/SRAP regulates the expression of ERB.

Young, Tamara (Dr. Yvonne Myal) Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC Studentship Award Title: Role of Cluadin 1 in Human Breast Cancer Tumor Progression and Metastasis.

Zeng, Hongmei (Dr. Geoff Hicks) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/Cancercare Studentship Award Title: Identifi cation of stress-responsive TLS nucleolar relocalization domain.

Zhang, Qi (Dr. David Eisenstat) Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/CancerCare/MICH Studentship Award Title: Identifi cation and Characterization of DLX homeobox gene transcriptional targets in retinal development.

Zheng, Yingfeng (Dr. Xiao-Jian) Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/MICH Studentship Award Title: Functional Role and Molecular Mechanism underlying the action of HIV-1 integrase during viral DNA chromatin targeting.

Zhou, Yueqin (Dr. Geoff Hicks) Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award: MHRC/CancerCare Studentship Award Title: A functional role for TLS in the immunological synapse of activated lymphocytes.


“For emerging researchers, it’s vital to have the support of organizations like MHRC. As a new investigator setting up my laboratory here in Manitoba, the funding I received was and is very crucial to my research program.”DR. PRASHEN CHELIKANI

Bridge Funding Awards Bridge funding awards are once only, one-year awards designed to allow experienced, productive investigators, who have lost funding from a major national agency, to maintain their research operation while they attempt to regain national funding. This program leveraged an additional $140,000 in funding from local research institutions.RECIPIENT, DEPARTMENT, INSTITUTION

Dodd, Janice Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine,

University of Manitoba. Title: The role of PPAR gamma and IGF

signaling pathway on progression of prostatic intraepithelial

neoplasia (PIN) to prostrate cancer.

Kupriyanov, Valerian Manitoba Institute for Biodiagnostics, ,

National Research Council. Title: Magnetic resonance and near-

infrared imaging of cryoinjury and repair by intrapericardial

delivery of vascular growth factos.

Sponsorships The Council sponsored four events which intended to build research collaborations within their specifi c areas of interest:Assessing the Future of Extracranial Radiosurgery: A National

Symposium.

Canadian Student Health Research Forum: MHRC Postdoctoral

Fellow Poster Award.

CIHR’s Celebration of Excellence in Canadian Health Event:

Sponsoring attendance of Drs. Bolton and Whyard

International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences: 2nd

Symposium on FUTURE OF HEART HEALTH

International Forum on Knowledge Translation, Banff, Alberta.

Traditions of Excellence Research Symposia, Faculty of

Dentistry, University of Manitoba.

DR. PRASHEN CHELIKANIDEPARTMENT OF ORAL BIOLOGY, FACULTY OF DENTISTRY, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

Broadening Our Understanding of

Protein Action

Dr. Prashen Chelikani’s research career has been

dedicated to studying protein structure and

function at the cellular and molecular level. Since

graduating with a Ph.D. from the University of

Manitoba, Dr. Chelikani’s projects have focused

on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs),

proteins that play an important role in such

pathological processes as asthma, heart disorders

and neurodegenerative diseases. According

to Dr. Chelikani, GPCRs can interact with the

environment inside and outside a cell and

changes happen when molecules called ligands

bind to them.

“My research is focused on broadening the

current understanding of the mechanisms of

action of GPCRs at the cellular, molecular and

atomic levels,” explains Dr Chelikani. “One of our

ongoing projects is centred on Beta2-adrenergic

receptor (B2-AR), a GPCR that mediates

physiological responses to the hormones,

adrenalin and noradrenaline. We’re comparing the

structure and activity of wild-type receptor and

specifi c site-directed mutants by using different

biophysical techniques.”

Global sales of GPCR ligands as pharmaceuticals

is estimated to be $50 billion and 40 per cent of

the top 100 drugs in the world target GPCRs. Dr.

Chelikani’s belief is that his fundamental studies

will help the scientifi c community decipher

GPCR-drug interactions which will ultimately

lead to the design of more effective drugs.

Dr. Prashen Chelikani


Regional Partnership Program Grants – Operating Grants The program provides partnership awards (matching funds) to individuals who have been awarded Canadian Institutes of Health Research Regional Partnership Program (CIHR-RPP) operating grants. Funding for this program is made available through the Department of Science, Technology, Energy and Mines and leaveraged an additional $940,000 into Manitoba from CIHR. RECIPIENT, DEPARTMENT, INSTITUTION

Burczynski, Frank Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba. Title: Role of intracellular fatty acid binding protein in oxidative stress.

Campbell, Darren Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Title: Military Personnel with PTSD: Functional MRI brain imaging, psychotherapy, and emotional responses.

Chelikani, Prashen Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba. Title: Towards elucidation of the active state structures of beta2-adrenergic receptor.

Kirouac, Gilbert Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba. Title: Thalamic regulation of the nucleus accumbens.

Leygue, Etienne Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Title: Investigating cross-talks between steroid receptor RNA activator protein (SRAP) and estrogen receptor signalings in breast cancer cells.

Li, Xin-Min Department of Psychiatry, Facutly of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Title: Testing the demyelination hypothesis of schizophrenia.

Nyomba, Gregoire Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Title: Effects and mechanistic aspects of ethanol on postnatal glucose metabolism in offspring.

Peng, Zhikang Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Title: A new strategy for treatment and study of immune mechanisms in infl ammatory bowel disease.

Rempel, Julia Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Title: Natural killer cell activity in th enhanced resistance to HCV infection observed in aboriginal people.

Shaw, Richard Institute for Biodiagnostics, National Research Council Title: Point of care diagnostic and analytical metabolomic testing.

Shen, Garry Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Title: Mechanism for glycated LDL-induced plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 production in vascular cells and diabetic animal models.

Soussi Gounni, Abdelilah Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Title: Glucocorticoid receptor signaling in survival of human neutrophils.

Triggs-Raine, Barbara Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba Title: Constitutive and regulated pathways of hyaluronan degradation.

Woodgate, Roberta Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba. Title: Youth involvement in Health Care Decisions: Ethical, Social and Cultural Perspectives.


2008 Manitoba Research Chairs CommitteeDr. Reinhart ReithmeierDr. Reinhart Reithmeier, (Chair), Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto

Dr. Michael P. Walsh, (Scientifi c Offi cer), Smooth Muscle Research Group and the CIHR Group in Regulation of Vascular Contractility, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Calgary

Dr. Steve Kehl, Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia

Dr. Russell D. Hull, Thrombosis Research Unit, Foothills Hospital, University of Calgary

2008 Operating & Establishment Grant Scientific Review CommitteeDr. Jim Thornhill, Chair, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

Dr. Brent Fedirchuk, Scientifi c Offi cer, Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Roxanne Deslaurier, Institute of Biodiagnostics, National Research Council

Dr. Tammy Ivanco, Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Valerie Kupriyanov, Institute for Biodiagnostics, National Research Council

Dr. Thomas Netticaden, Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Gregoire Nyomba, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba

Dr. Fiona Parkinson, Department of Pharmacology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Janice Richman-Eisenstat, Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, CancerCare Manitoba

Dr. Barbara Triggs-Raine, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba

Dr. Jude Uzonna, Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba

Dr. John Wilkins, Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Juiyong Xie, Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba

Review CommitteesRegional Partnerships Program –Personnel AwardsRECIPIENT, DEPARTMENT, INSTITUTION

Bayrampour, Hamideh

Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba.

Type of Award: Doctoral Research

Award

Cunnington, Ryan

Department of Physiology, Faculty of

Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Research

Centre.

Type of Award: Doctoral Research

Award.

Dhingra, Sanjiv

Department of Physiology, Faculty of

Medicine, University of Manitoba.

Type of Award: Doctoral Research Award

(start extende to start August 2009)


2008 Social/Population Health Review Committee Dr. Michelle Porter, Chair, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba

Dr. Janice Dodd (Scientifi c Offi cer), Head, Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Dauna Crooks, Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba

Dr. Brenda Elias, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba

Dr. Randy Fransoo, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba

Dr. Rob Hoppa, Department of Anthropology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Michelle Lobchuk, Faculty of Nursing, University of Manitoba

Dr. Barbara Payne, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba

Dr. Lori Wilkinson, Department of Sociology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Dickie Yu, Director of Research, St. Amant Centre

2008 Fellowship Review Committee Dr. Leigh Murphy, Chair, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, CancerCare Manitoba

Dr. Judy Anderson, Scientifi c Offi cer, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba

Dr. Jane Evans, Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba

Dr. Gordon Glazner, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre

Dr. B.J. Hancock, Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba

Dr. Thomas Klonisch, Department of Human Anatomy & Cell Science, University of Manitoba

Dr. Brian Mark, Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Karmin O, Department of Animal Science, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre

Dr. Shayne Taback, Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba

Dr. Jeffrey Wigle, Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre

2008 Studentship Review CommitteeDr. Pawan Singal, Chair, Department of Physiology, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre

Dr. Catalina Birek, Department of Oral Biology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Marc Del Bigio, Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Mary Lynn Duckworth, Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Andrew Goertzen, Department of Radiology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Grant Hatch, Department of Pharmacology, University of Manitoba

Dr. Mohammed Moghadasian, Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre

Dr. Julia Rempel, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba

Dr. Lawrence Ryner, Department of Medical Physics, CancerCare Manitoba

Dr.. Maria Vrontakis, Department of Human Anatomy & Cell Science, University of Manitoba

Dr. Jitender Sareen, Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba

Dr. Xiao Yao, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba


Auditors’ Report

To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba:We have audited the statement of fi nancial position of

MANITOBA HEALTH RESEARCH COUNCIL as at March 31,

2009 and the statements of operations and fund balances and

cash fl ows for the year then ended. These fi nancial statements

are the responsibility of the organization’s management. Our

responsibility is to express an opinion on these fi nancial

statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally

accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we

plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether

the fi nancial statements are free of material misstatement. An

audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the

amounts and disclosures in the fi nancial statements. An audit also

includes assessing the accounting principles used and signifi cant

estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall

fi nancial statement presentation.

In our opinion, these fi nancial statements present fairly, in all

material respects, the fi nancial position of the organization as at

March 31, 2009 and the results of its operations and its cash fl ows

for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally

accepted accounting principles.

Chartered Accountants

Winnipeg, Manitoba

April 17, 2009

Chartered Accountants

ContentsFinancial Statements

Statement of Financial Position I

Statement of Operations and Fund Balances II

Statement of Cash Flows III

Summary of Signifi cant Accounting Policies IV

Notes to Financial Statements VI

Supplementary Financial Information

Schedule of Administrative Expenses VIII

Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2009

I2008 | 2009 Annual Report

Statement of Financial PositionMarch 31 2009 2008

ASSETS

Current Assets

Cash and bank (Note 2) $99,964 $587,122 Cash and bank (Note 2) $99,964 $587,122

Short-term investments 2,273,722 365,721 Short-term investments 2,273,722 365,721

Accounts receivable 7,860 791,557 Accounts receivable 7,860 791,557

Prepaid expenses 2,154 2,157 Prepaid expenses 2,154 2,157

Deposits 500 500 Deposits 500 500

2,384,200 1,747,057 2,384,200 1,747,057

Capital assets (Note 3) 15,794 2,846 (Note 3) 15,794 2,846

$2,399,994 $1,749,903 $2,399,994 $1,749,903

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES

Current Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 4) $107,590 $89,837 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 4) $107,590 $89,837

Deferred revenue — 368,046 Deferred revenue — 368,046

Research grants payable 438,968 441,687 Research grants payable 438,968 441,687

546,558 899,570 546,558 899,570

Commitments (Note 6) (Note 6)

Fund Balances

General Research Fund (Page II) 1,853,436 755,825 General Research Fund (Page II) 1,853,436 755,825

Regional Partnerships Program Fund (Page II) — 94,508 Regional Partnerships Program Fund (Page II) — 94,508

1,853,436 850,333 1,853,436 850,333

$2,399,994 $1,749,903 $2,399,994 $1,749,903

Director

Director

Approved on behalf of the board

Director

Director Director

The accompanying Summary of signifi cant accounting policies and notes are an integral part of these statements.

II Manitoba Health Research Council

Statement of Operations and Fund BalancesFor the year ended March 31 2009 2008

General Regional

Research Partnership

Fund Fund Total Total Fund Fund Total Total

Revenue

Province of Manitoba grants $5,000,000 $1,000,000 $6,000,000 $5,103,276 Province of Manitoba grants $5,000,000 $1,000,000 $6,000,000 $5,103,276

Grants returned /rescinded 153,500 16,423 169,923 98,822 Grants returned /rescinded 153,500 16,423 169,923 98,822

Investment income 57,645 — 57,645 65,479 Investment income 57,645 — 57,645 65,479

5,211,145 1,016,423 6,227,568 5,267,577 5,211,145 1,016,423 6,227,568 5,267,577

Add deferred revenue,

beginning of year — 368,046 368,046 — beginning of year — 368,046 368,046 —

Less deferred revenue,

end of year — — — 368,046 end of year — — — 368,046

5,211,145 1,384,469 6,595,614 4,899,531 5,211,145 1,384,469 6,595,614 4,899,531

Expenditures

Administration (Page VIII) 733,746 — 733,746 440,220 Administration (Page VIII) 733,746 — 733,746 440,220

Personnel awards 2,044,770 28,000 2,072,770 1,455,738 Personnel awards 2,044,770 28,000 2,072,770 1,455,738

Research grants 2,010,002 775,993 2,785,995 2,412,649 Research grants 2,010,002 775,993 2,785,995 2,412,649

4,788,518 803,993 5,592,511 4,308,607 4,788,518 803,993 5,592,511 4,308,607

Excess of revenue over

expenditures for the year 422,627 580,476 1,003,103 590,924 422,627 580,476 1,003,103 590,924

Fund balances,

beginning of year 755,825 94,508 850,333 259,409 beginning of year 755,825 94,508 850,333 259,409

Transfer Regional Partnership

Fund to General Research

Fund 674,984 (674,984) — — 674,984 (674,984) — —

Fund balances,

end of year (Page I) $1,853,436 $ — $1,853,436 $850,333 end of year (Page I) $1,853,436 $ — $1,853,436 $850,333


III2008 | 2009 Annual Report

Statement of Cash FlowsFor the year ended March 31 2009 2008

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Excess of revenue over expenditures for the year $1,003,103 $590,924 Excess of revenue over expenditures for the year $1,003,103 $590,924

Adjustments for

Amortization of capital assets 4,088 1,129 Amortization of capital assets 4,088 1,129

Loss on disposal of capital assets — 1,671 Loss on disposal of capital assets — 1,671

1,007,191 593,724 1,007,191 593,724

Changes in non-cash working capital balances

Short-term investments (1,908,001) (177,603) Short-term investments (1,908,001) (177,603)

Accounts receivable 783,697 (522,364) Accounts receivable 783,697 (522,364)

Accrued interest receivable — 3,045 Accrued interest receivable — 3,045

Prepaid expenses 3 — Prepaid expenses 3 —

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 17,753 78,821 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 17,753 78,821

Deferred revenue (368,046) 368,046 Deferred revenue (368,046) 368,046

Research grants payable (2,719) (361,969) Research grants payable (2,719) (361,969)

(470,122) (18,300) (470,122) (18,300)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Purchase of capital assets (17,036) (1,278) Purchase of capital assets (17,036) (1,278)

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the year (487,158) (19,578) (487,158) (19,578)

Cash (bank indebtedness), beginning of year 587,122 606,700 , beginning of year 587,122 606,700

Cash, end of year $99,964 $587,122 , end of year $99,964 $587,122

Supplementary Information

Interest received $56,456 $52,492 Interest received $56,456 $52,492


IV Manitoba Health Research Council

Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesMarch 31, 2009

These fi nancial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

Financial Instruments The organization utilizes various fi nancial instruments. Unless otherwise noted, it is management’s opinion

that the organization is not exposed to signifi cant interest, currency or credit risks arising from these fi nancial

instruments and the carrying amounts approximate fair values.

All transactions related to fi nancial instruments are recorded on a trade date basis.

The organization classifi es its fi nancial instruments as follows based on the purpose for which the asset was

acquired and follows the disclosed accounting policy for each category.

Assets/Liability Category Measurement

Cash and bank Held for trading Fair value

Short-term investments Held for trading Fair value

Accounts receivable Loans and receivables Amortized cost

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other fi nancial liabilities Amortized cost

Research grants payable Other fi nancial liabilities Amortized cost

• Held for trading items are carried at fair value, with changes in their fair value recognized in the statement

of operations.

• Other fi nancial liabilities are carried at amortized cost, using the effective interest method.

• Loans and receivables are carried at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method, less any

provision for impairment.

Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

V2008 | 2009 Annual Report

Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesMarch 31, 2009

Capital Assets Capital assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization, based on the estimated

useful life of the asset, is calculated as follows:

Offi ce equipment 20% diminishing balance basis

Computer equipment 20% diminishing balance basis

Fund Accounting The Manitoba Health Research Council follows the restricted fund method of accounting for

contributions.

The General Research Fund reports only restricted resources that are used for research purposes.

General research grants are charged to expenditures in the year the funding is committed for, by

Council. Research grants returned to or rescinded by the Council are recorded as revenues when

received or rescinded.

Regional Partnership awards are charged to expenditures when funding is received from the Province

of Manitoba. Regional partnership awards returned to or rescinded by the Council are recorded as

revenues when received or rescinded.

Revenue Recognition Grant revenue is refl ected in income in the period in which the grant is received or becomes

receivable. Interest income is recognized as revenue when earned and is allocated to the General

Fund.

Grants and Awards All grants and awards and their renewals are charged to expenditures when funding is approved by

Council.

Administrative Expenditures Administration expenses are allocated 100% to the General Research Fund.

New Accounting Pronouncements Recent accounting pronouncements that have been issued but are not yet effective, and have a

potential implication for the organization, are as follows:

Financial Statement ConceptsFinancial Statement Concepts

CICA Handbook Section 1000, Financial Statement Concepts has been amended to focus on the

capitalization of costs that truly meet the defi nition of an asset and de-emphasizes the matching

principle.

The revised requirements are effective for annual and interim fi nancial statements relating to fi scal

years beginning on or after October 1, 2008. The organization is currently evaluating the impact of the

adoption of this change on the disclosure within its fi nancial statements.

Financial Statement Presentation by Not-for-Profit OrganizationsFinancial Statement Presentation by Not-for-Profit Organizations

Section 4400 has been amended for the treatment of net assets invested in capital assets and for the

presentation of revenues and expenses. The new standard is effective for interim and annual fi nancial

statements relating to fi scal years beginning on or after January 1, 2009. The organization is currently

assessing the impact of the new standard.

VI Manitoba Health Research Council

Notes to Financial StatementsMarch 31, 2009

1. Entity Definition

The Manitoba Health Research Council was established by The Manitoba Health Research Council Act to promote and assist basic, clinical and applied research in the health sciences in Manitoba. The Manitoba Health Research Council is a registered charity and is exempt from tax under the Income Tax Act.

2. Cash and Bank 2009 2008

Bank of Montreal current account $85,940 $44,743 Bank of Montreal current account $85,940 $44,743 Wellington West cash account 14,024 542,379 Wellington West cash account 14,024 542,379

$99,964 $587,122 $99,964 $587,122

3. Capital Assets 2009 2008 2008

Accumulated Accumulated Accumulated Accumulated Cost Amortization Cost Amortization Cost Amortization Cost Amortization

Offi ce equipment $14,599 $4,226 $2,358 $1,633 Offi ce equipment $14,599 $4,226 $2,358 $1,633 Computer equipment 11,749 6,328 6,954 4,833 Computer equipment 11,749 6,328 6,954 4,833

$26,348 $10,554 $9,312 $6,466 $26,348 $10,554 $9,312 $6,466

Cost less accumulated amortization $15,794 $2,846 Cost less accumulated amortization $15,794 $2,846

4. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Included in accounts payable are appropriations of $68,958 for Electronic Grants Management System for expenditures committed to in the 2008/09 fi scal year for ongoing work and outstanding expenses incurred on the project.

5. Related Party Transactions

Manitoba Health Research Council is related to all Province of Manitoba departments and agencies. During the year, the Council had the following transactions with related organizations:

2009 2008

Grant revenue $6,000,000 $5,103,276 Grant revenue $6,000,000 $5,103,276

These transactions are in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration established and agreed to by the related parties.

VII2008 | 2009 Annual Report

Notes to Financial StatementsMarch 31, 2009

6. Commitments

The Manitoba Health Research Council has committed grants and awards under the General Research Fund and the Regional Partnership Fund as follows:

General Research Fund Regional Partnership Fund Total

2010 $2,267,515 $541,215 $2,808,730

2011 508,011 190,688 698,699

2012 300,000 — 300,000

2013 300,000 — 300,000

$3,375,526 $731,903 $4,107,429

Commitments of future years of the General Research Fund and Regional Partnership Fund are not recorded as an expenditure in the year of commitment, they are recorded as an expenditure in the year they are committed for. These commitments will be funded as follows:

Current General Research Fund Balance $1,853,436

Future Province of Manitoba grants 2,253,993

$4,107,429

The organization has a future payment under an operating leases for the next year as follows:

2010 $3,386

7. Economic Dependence

The Manitoba Health Research Council relies almost entirely on grants from the Province of Manitoba.

8. Capital Disclosures

The council considers its capital consists of its end of year Fund balances. There have been no changes to what the council considers

to be its capital since the previous period.

The council manages its capital to ensure it retains suffi cient cash resources to enable it to carry out its mission of providing grants

to assist with medical research in Manitoba.

VIII Manitoba Health Research Council

Schedule of Administrative ExpensesFor the year ended March 31 2009 2008

Accounting and audit $4,508 $3,953 Accounting and audit $4,508 $3,953

Amortization 4,088 1,129 Amortization 4,088 1,129

Bank charges and interest 249 137 Bank charges and interest 249 137

Communications 264,635 109,219 Communications 264,635 109,219

Conferences, meetings and travel 13,352 19,070 Conferences, meetings and travel 13,352 19,070

Consulting and professional fees 7,046 — Consulting and professional fees 7,046 —

Council and committee expenses 13,608 30,117 Council and committee expenses 13,608 30,117

Delivery 3,356 3,327 Delivery 3,356 3,327

GST expense 294 — GST expense 294 —

Insurance 4,450 4,400 Insurance 4,450 4,400

Loss on disposal of asset — 1,671 Loss on disposal of asset — 1,671

Marketing 14,714 12,731 Marketing 14,714 12,731

Parking 1,042 1,398 Parking 1,042 1,398

Printing, stationery and offi ce supplies 14,568 12,350 Printing, stationery and offi ce supplies 14,568 12,350

Repairs and maintenance 2,979 1,919 Repairs and maintenance 2,979 1,919

Reviewer’s expenses 12,960 6,911 Reviewer’s expenses 12,960 6,911

Salaries and benefi ts 371,297 231,888 Salaries and benefi ts 371,297 231,888

Workshops and training 600 — Workshops and training 600 —

$733,746 $440,220 $733,746 $440,220

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Manitoba Health Research Council

P216-770 Bannatyne Avenue


Telephone: (204) 775-1096 Fax: (204) 786-5401



MHRC'09 Annual Report

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