Category: International Conference

We are excited to invite you to join the Tropical Medicine Webinar Series via ZOOM on the topic “Glycan microarrays – much-needed tools to unravel microbe-host interactions” by Dr. Yan Liu, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London.

Date: July 23, 2021

Time: 3.00 – 4.30 PM (Bangkok Time)

Register now:

Online by ZOOM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://kku-th.zoom.us/j/95326402554?pwd=S2NnYWE0Y2NJZy82M2g0aGFQV1N3dz09

Meeting ID: 953 2640 2554

Passcode: 290821

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On June 22, 2021, the Tropical Medicine Graduate Program, Khon Kaen University held their 3^rd Tropical Medicine Webinar on the topic “Helminth vaccines: from pre-clinical concepts to human efficacy trials” expert presenter Professor Alex Loukas, Distinguished Professor Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, Centre for Molecular Therapeutics James Cook University, Cairns, Australia.

The welcome speech was given by Assistant Professor Sutas Suttiprapa, Director of the Tropical Medicine Graduate Program, KKU-MD, who welcomed the opportunity to learn and share insights about “Helminth vaccines: from pre-clinical concepts to human efficacy trials.”

The presentation explained the Life cycle of Necator americanus, or hookworm. Living in the small intestine, they   attach to the lining of the intestinal wall and suck blood and vitreous from the intestines. The female worm can lay 6000-20000 eggs per day, which are expelled with feces. With appropriate temperature and humidity, the larvae emerge from the egg in 1-2 days, and as first stage larvae, rhabditiform larvae, grow in soil or feces. They then molt into second stage embryo, in 5-10 days, and develop into the third filariform embryo in 5-10 days. These can penetrate   human skin and migrate into the veins, the heart, the lungs, from the lungs, into the esophagus, then the stomach and into small intestines.  Most older hookworms are evicted in one to two years but some can live for many years.

As a possible solution to hookworm infection a vaccine is in testing to increase the number of white blood cells Eosinophilia, which are responsible for preventing helminth infections, allergies, and tissue inflammation. Approximately 450 Eosinophil cells are normally found in the blood. Following vaccination, significant reductions in hamster fluke load has been found.

In conclusions TSPs appear to be good vaccine antigens and gene silencing (RNAi) and preliminary gene knock-out (CRISPR-Cas9) studies suggest that TSPs are essential-lethal phenotypes.

Future helminth vaccine directions

-Assess impact of vaccination on CCA in hamster model

-Explore other oral delivery methods that can be translated for human use (liposomes, chitosan nanoparticles)

-Probe proteome array with sera from protected mammalian hosts (eg. irradiated metacercariae)

-Test multivalent constructs or chimeric antigens

Written by Miss Taksaporn Vongsa-Nga

Mister Adisorn Tadsakorn

Edit by Professor John F Smith

On April 21, 2021, the third online Joint-Institute Forum (JIF) on the topic of Tissue Engineering in Clinical Research was held in a collaboration between the Departments of Biochemistry, Surgery, and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University (MDKKU) ,the Thai National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) and Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, UK.

The welcome speech “Learning and sharing insight of Tissue Engineering in Clinical Research” was given by Dr. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin- Assistant to the Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs, MDKKU.

Following the opening ceremony, there was a talk, Professor James Phillips, Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, UK presented on ‘Nervous system tissue engineering and regenerative medicine’ ,‘Multi-Omics of Weight-Loss Surgery’ ,and “CNS tissue engineering and regenerative medicine”, followed by,

Dr. Papon Muangsanit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), a member of National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), on ‘Aligned endothelial cell and Schwann cell structures in 3D hydrogel for peripheral nerve tissue engineering’,

Dr. Sinobol Chusilp, Department of Surgery, on ‘Intratumoral Microbiome in Cholangiocarcinoma’,

Dr. Kanokrat Thaiwatcharamas, Department of Surgery, on ‘Intestinal organoid as an ex vivo model to study necrotizing entero-colitis in infants’, and, finally by

Dr. Poramate Klanrit, Department of Biochemistry, on ‘Modeling of Cholangiocarcinoma through three-dimensional (3D) cell culture’.

The webinar spurred knowledge exchange to improve the quality of research and practice in the future.

Written by Miss Taksaporn Vongsa-Nga

The Tropical Medicine Graduate Program and the Tropical Diseases Research Center (TDRC), Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University jointly organized a Special Webinar on “A One Health Approach to End Neglected Tropical Diseases” by Professor Darren Gray, Head of the Department of Global Health, Australian National University, Acton, Australia, on May 28, 2021.

It highlighted the problem of neglected tropical diseases that affect populations living in poverty and in close contact with disease vectors, such as, animals/livestock, and unclean water sources and poor sanitation.  These provide breeding grounds for pathogens such as Guinea parasites, blood flukes, etc.  Drug treatment are available but the infections can come back again if risky behavior continues.   The One Health approach is required to overcome the impact of tropical diseases. Integrated interventions for disease control are needed to -advance the WHO 2030 roadmap for the control and elimination of NTDs. New holistic evidence-based approaches should combine human, animal, and environmental health practices and disciplines to lead to overall good health. “One Health” approaches are key to overcoming the impact of tropical disease and achieving elimination targets.  A successful Chinese example of a multi-component integrated (One Health) approach is in schistosomiasis control and is now a high priority for the Chinese Government for addressing HIV/AIDs and TB.

Written by Miss Taksaporn Vongsa-Nga

Mister Adisorn Tadsakorn

Edited by  Miss Kanokphorn Hinthao

Professor John Smith 

The 43rd Annual Conference of the Anatomy Association of Thailand (AAT43) ran from 5-7 May 2021, co-hosted and organized by the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, and the Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, the Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, the College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University and the Anatomy Association of Thailand.   Due to COVID-19 restrictions the conference ran completely online.

Associate Professor Kowit Chaisiwamongkol, President of Anatomy Association of Thailand gave the welcome speech, while Assistant Professor Amnart Chaichun, Chair of the AAT43 Organizing Committee and Head of Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University gave a reporting speech and Associate Professor Dr. Chuchat Kamollerd, Dean of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University presided over the opening ceremony. The conference had global appeal, attracting over 200 medical staff, anatomists, researchers, and scientists from around the world.

Rapid technological change is affecting every area of anatomic sciences, and the co-hosts aimed to provide a dynamic opportunity for medical practitioners, anatomists, researchers, and scientists to share knowledge on the latest developments and future directions and explore potential collaborative opportunities.  The program included lectures, symposia, interactive technical seminars, panel discussions, oral and poster presentations.

This conference heard online specialist lectures from experts such as, Associate Professor S Thameem Dheen, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Professor Dr. Allan Pracey, University of Sheffield, UK, Professor Dr. Friedrich Paulsen, Friedrich–Alexander University Erlangen–Nürnberg, Germany, Professor Dr. Tracey Wilkinson, University of Dundee, UK and Associate Professor Kanokpan Wongprasert, Mahidol University, Thailand.

Written by Yada Lertkhajornsak

Edited by John Smith

On April 21, 2021, the Departments of Biochemistry, Surgery, and the Clinical Epidemiology Unit, and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University (MDKKU) organized the first online Joint-Institute Forum (JIF) 1/2021 on the topic ‘Metabolome-Microbiome in Clinical Research’.

The welcome speech was given by Dr. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin- Assistant to the Dean for Research and International Relations Affairs, MDKKU “It is such a great opportunity to learn and share insights of metabolome and microbiome in several disease models and update on the advances of modern research methodologies that can be employed in the omics science for everyone”.

Following the opening ceremony, there was a talk by international expert Dr. Jia Li, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK on ‘Multi-Omics of Weight-Loss Surgery’, followed by,

Dr. Jutarop Petcharaburanin, Department of Biochemistry, on ‘Fecal Metabolome-Microbiome Panel Biomarkers in Cancer’,

Associate Professor Watcharin Loilome, Department of Biochemistry, on ‘Intratumoral Microbiome in Cholangiocarcinoma’, and, finally by

Dr. Kanokrat Thaiwatcharamas, Department of Surgery, on ‘Microbiome and Metabolome in Hirschsprung’s Disease’.

The first Joint-Institute Forum was successfully held with 129 participants from the educational and industrial sectors around the world.

Written by Kanokphorn H.

Edited by John Smith

On March 15-19, 2021 International Affairs organized the Spring Virtual Global Health Experience (Pilot program not-for-credit) in cooperation with University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC) and Clemson University, United State of America. The program was led by Asst. Prof. Acharawan Topark-Ngarm, Assistant to the President for International Affairs, together with the faculty members from the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Dentistry, the Faculty of Nursing, and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences There were 14 Khon Kaen University students and 12 Clemson University students participating in this program.

On 15 March the topic was the Overview of Public Healthcare in Thailand, lectured by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supatra Chadbunchachai, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The second topic was Thailand’s Health System by Dr. Sauwanan Bumrerraj, MD, Faculty of Medicine.

On March 16 is the second day of the program starting with a lecture by Assist. Prof. Pattapong Kessomboon, Faculty of Medicine, about Primary Health Care and examples of primary care units in Khon Kaen. The second topic was Primary Health Care and Health Promotion and Prevention by Assist. Prof. Dr. Juraporn Tangpukdee, Faculty of Nursing. Moreover, the nursing students shared their knowledge about individual care patient care and community care.

On March 17, Assist. Prof. Dr. Teekayu Plangkoon Jorns from the Faculty of Dentistry gave a lecture on the topic of Oral Health Care in Thailand. There was also a lecture about community dentistry and dental education in Thailand by a 6th year student from the Faculty of Dentistry. The second lesson was Thai Traditional Medicine and Thai Herbs by Assist. Prof Dr. Srisomporn Preprame from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

On March 18 began the lesson by Assist. Prof. Acharawan Topark-Ngarm, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the topic about Community Pharmacist in Thailand. It also describes the role of Pharmacists in drugstores. An example of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention was shared by Ms. Nadthatida Hansuri, a pharmacist from Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The last day of the program was an activity for both Khon Kaen University students and Clemson University students to share their visions, presented what they have learnt the past four days, and reflected their knowledge from the programs. The lecturers joined the activity to give feedback and reflect on the students learning outcomes.

The Spring Virtual Global Health Experience (Pilot program not-for-credit) is a short-term online teaching and learning pilot course which was highly successful. Following this first performance, Khon Kaen University plans to expand to virtual courses in different fields including academic activities such as training of professional experiences (internship), exchange program, training program, and mobility program etc.

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The Faculty of Medicine together with Palliative Care Center, Srinagarind Hospital, had held International Conference on “How to Set up Medical Cannabis Clinic within Supportive and Palliative Care Centers and Cannabis in Oncology and Palliative Care” at Science Museum Park, Khon Kaen.

Thailand had just released the bill that allows cannabis to be use for medical purpose together with Thai health department have issued a suggestion that every hospital should have a clinic that takes care of cannabis case. But soon, there is a shortage of human resources with enough knowledge to operate this clinic.

For this reason, Khon Kaen University and Srinagarind Hospital had to cooperate with Sante Cannabis and McGill University, Canada, to set up this international conference and invite nearby hospital personal to join.  Associate Professor Antonio Vigano, Department of Oncology and Medicine and Ms. Virginie Bacis, Nurse Coordinator Medical Cannabis Program, McGill University Health Centre, Canada who were well-known experts on medical cannabis were the speakers of the conference. Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University had presided over the opening ceremony and delivered a special lecture on KKU cannabis policy. The conference was a success with over 300 participants from various health organizations.

In addition, McGill University and Khon Kaen University agreed to work together in research projects and cannabis clinic establishment. Professor Srivieng Pairojkul, Head, Palliative Care Center, Srinagarind Hospital; Professor Pewpan Maleewong, Assistant to the President for Research and Academic Services and Professor Thidarut Boonmars, Vice President for Innovation and Enterprise were the main coordinator in developing academic and research collaboration with McGill University.

Reported by: Natakon Naowarojna, International Relations Officer

Digital University Development office, affiliating to Department of International Affairs, collaborates with Faculty of Medical Sciences and Faculty of Dentistry to conduct international conference on “Head and Neck Oncology.” The conference held between November 7-8, 2019 welcomes about 200 guests comprising of students and professors from international universities including; Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Harvard Medical School and the universities from The Netherlands, The Philippines, and Indonesia.

On November 7, 2019, the opening ceremony was conducted with the presence of Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul (MD), an acting president of KKU, who delivered a welcome remark to the participants. The ceremony was chaired by Dr. Narongchai Akaraseranee, a president of KKU Council. The conference highlights medical updates on interdisciplinary approaches against head and throat cancers. Listed below are names of the 12 Thai and international trainers attended different sessions of the conference:

– Dr. Lori J. Wirth, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA

– Dr. Derrick T. Lin, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA

– Dr. Maria J. Troulis, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, USA

– Dr. James F. McIntyre, Massachusetts General Hospital/North Shore Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, USA

– Dr. William C. Faquin, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA

– Asst. Prof. Aumkhae Sookprasert, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University

– Asst. Prof. Patravoot Vatanasapt, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University

– Asst. Prof. Palakorn Surakunprapha, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University

– Dr. Suthin Jinaporntham, Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University

– Prof. Marlinda Adham, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia

– Prof. Cees A. Meeuwis, Erasmus MC–Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, The Netherlands

– Prof. Alfredo Pontejos, Department of Otolaryngology, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines

This conference was held partially to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Faculty of Dentistry and to mark the university’s attempt to broadcast its name to the international academy. The conference was also aimed to help foster collaboration among international specialists on the measures to be taken against the life-threatening diseases of head and throat cancers.