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
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3E 0W3
Telephone: (204) 775-1096
Fax: (204) 786-5401
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mhrc.mb.ca
“ To promote the growth and co-ordination of the health research enterprise in Manitoba”MISSION STATEMENT
32008 | 2009 Annual Report
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
4 Manitoba Health Research Council
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
52008 | 2009 Annual Report
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.
6 Manitoba Health Research Council
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
72008 | 2009 Annual Report
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
8 Manitoba Health Research Council
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
92008 | 2009 Annual Report
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.
10 Manitoba Health Research Council
“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
12 Manitoba Health Research Council
“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
132008 | 2009 Annual Report
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
14 Manitoba Health Research Council
“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
152008 | 2009 Annual Report
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
18 Manitoba Health Research Council
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
192008 | 2009 Annual Report
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,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award:
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,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba. Name of Award:
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
20 Manitoba Health Research Council
“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
212008 | 2009 Annual Report
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
22 Manitoba Health Research Council
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
232008 | 2009 Annual Report
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.
24 Manitoba Health Research Council
“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
252008 | 2009 Annual Report
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.
26 Manitoba Health Research Council
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)
272008 | 2009 Annual Report
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
28 Manitoba Health Research Council
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
The accompanying Summary of signifi cant accounting policies and notes are an integral part of these statements.
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
The accompanying Summary of signifi cant accounting policies and notes are an integral part of these statements.
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
Designed by: Edge Advertising | Award recipient photos © Downey-Franchuk, Enviroscribe
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
Top Related