VIIth ISTERH Conference
International Society for Trace Element Research in Humans (ISTERH) Click below for information about the VIIth ISTERH Conference in Bangkok, Nov. 7-12, 2004 How to Submit a LATE BREAKING Abstract General Information Scientific Program Bangkok Picture Gallery (Conference Hotels and Tourist Attractions) How to Become a Sponsor ___________ About ISTERH Mission/Goals Awards Publications Events Member News Related Links Join ISTERH Officers and Council Committees Membership Directory FAQs Site Map Home	Printer Friendly (PDF version) Registration Registration Fee Scientific Program Conference Venue Bangkok Picture Gallery Contact for Questions Airline Reservation Systems Accommodations LETTERS OF INVITATION      TO ISTERH 2004 IN BANGKOK           from the ISTERH President and Conference Host ผู้เข้า ร่วมประชุมชาวไทย กรุณาติต่อ ดร. ทรงศักดิ์ ศรีอนุชาต สถาบันวิจัย โภชนาการ มหาวิทยาลัยมหิดล ที่ดโทร 0 2441 9740 หรือ email ไปที่ songsri2@yahoo.com President Harold H. Sandstead Dear Friends in Trace Element Research, As President of the International Society for Trace Element Research in Humans, I am pleased to invite you to attend the VIIth Conference of the Society in Bangkok, Thailand, November 7-12, 2004. The Program Committee has organized a meeting that will be intellectually stimulating and inspiring, and I believe as interesting and socially entertaining, if not more so, than our 2002 meeting in Quebec City. Those of you who attended that “smorgasbord” of trace element science research know how exciting an interdisciplinary meeting can be. Our intent is that the 2004 meeting will exceed the high standard of its predecessor. Each plenary session and symposium will highlight a cluster of related disease processes where recent advances in trace element research give new insights into the prevention, treatment, or mechanisms of those diseases. I encourage members (and non-members) to submit abstracts of their most significant research to the Conference Secretariat. Abstract content that addresses a disease process is encouraged but certainly not required. Likewise, trace element nutrition findings from any experimental approach (e.g., molecular biology, cell culture, animal models, and human metabolic or field trials) are welcome. ISTERH was conceived as an International Society for the exchange of knowledge concerning trace elements as they affect human health. In the spirit of international scientific camaraderie, I encourage members and non-members to bring the Society to the attention of colleagues across the world who share interests in trace elements and health. I hope ‘spreading the word’ through personal contacts will result in a cadre of new attendees at the 2004 meeting. Exchange of knowledge with colleagues from many countries will stimulate new hypotheses and approaches for research. I believe the highest goal of biological scientists should be improvement of the human condition. I therefore encourage the ISTERH community to be inclusive and to encourage colleagues in their work. There is much to be done. Nutritional and toxicological trace-element problems are international in scope. Therefore, international exchanges of scientific knowledge must be encouraged. ISTERH is an effective venue for such exchanges. If you are not a member if ISTERH, and your research and interests relate to trace elements in human health, I invite you to apply HERE for membership. Sincerely, Harold H. Sandstead, MD President, ISTERH Host Songsak Srianujata Dear Colleagues in Trace Element Research, On behalf of the host institution, the Institute of Nutrition at Mahidol University, it is my pleasure to invite you all to the VII Conference of the International Society for Trace Elements Research in Humans which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, 7-12 November 2004. In the year 2004, the Thai people will celebrate an auspicious occasion, the 72nd Birthday Anniversary of our beloved Queen Sirikit, and we invite you to celebrate with us. The venue for the ISTERH Conference will be at the Shangri-La Hotel, one of the top hotels in Bangkok and located on the bank of the Chao Praya River, “River of the Kings”. It is the perfect place for conferencing, meeting friends, and relaxing. The scenery along the river and the surroundings of the hotel are far more than excellent. The local organizing teams are preparing all the programs to make sure that your stay and meeting will be a memorable time. I am sure that with the lead of Dr. Harold H Sandstead and the team at ISTERH, the scientific programs will be extensive and second to none. Since the trace elements in health and diseases are becoming more and more important, advances in trace element research are critical in shedding light on the understanding of the role of trace element in human health. This coming VII ISTERH Conference will be golden opportunity to update information and science in this field for everyone. I believe this forum will provide the perfect opportunity for all of you to catch up with the fast progress in trace element research in humans and for getting together with old friends and making new ones. Also, Thailand is a well known place that provides incomparable hospitality and culture of traditional and modern styles. It is one of the best and dreamed of destinations of tourists and business communities around the world. The economy is expanding, but the expense is very moderate and far lower than any other place of the same quality and standard. I guarantee that participants will enjoy staying in Bangkok and will not be able to resist returning in the future. Welcome you all and the family. Sincerely, Songsak Srianujata, Ph.D. Host of ISTERH 2004 Institute of Nutrition Mahidol University Lobby of the ISTERH 2004 Headquarters Hotel -- THE SHANGRI-LA 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand Contact for Questions. For any questions regarding any aspect of the Conference please contact the Conference Secretariat at isterh@agoracom.qc.ca who will route your enquiries. Click HERE to visit the Bangkok picture gallery. Click HERE to view the Scientific Program. See below for information on: --Schedule of Deadlines --Airline Reservation Systems --Links to Thai culture and travel --Registration --Social Program --Accomodations --General Information --Monetary Matters --Passports and Visas --Airports --Local transportation --Conference Planning Committees SCHEDULE OF DEADLINES June 1, 2004: Receipt of abstracts AND submission fee July 1, 2004: Author notification of abstract acceptance August 1, 2004: Student Travel Award notification (see abstracts) August 1, 2004: End of maximum registration discount September 1, 2004: Receipt of any cancellation for full refund of registration fee September 1, 2004: End of the THE SHANGRI-LA accommodation special rate and availability guarantee September 1, 2004: End of pre-registration discount →→ September 15, 2004: Receipt of LATE BREAKING abstracts AND submission fee November 7, 2004: On-site registration at late registration rate --Check the abstracts link to see how to submit an abstract of your work for presentation at the Conference. --Check below on this page for registration instructions. SUGGESTED LINKS TO AIRLINE RESERVATION SYSTEMS (The listed airline reservation links are suggestions only. Other links may be better or equal choices. Note that fares vary greatly among systems. Note that slight changes in departure or arrival dates may affect prices very significantly) http://www.cheapairlines.com/ http://tickets.priceline.com http://www.expedia.com http://www.hotwire.com http://www.travelocity.com http://www.cheaptickets.com LINKS TO THAI CULTURE AND TRAVEL Tourism Authority of Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand Travel guide for Thailand Map of central Bangkok Golf course at the Rose Garden HOW TO REGISTER (Two methods) (ผู้เข้าร่วมประชุมคนไทยใช้ method #2) 1. Click HERE to register and pay your fees over a secure line. Submitted information is safely and securely directed to the Secretariat who will acknowledge receipt of your payment. This will be followed by confirmation that the payment has been processed. OR, 2. Fill out the registration form and mail or fax it to the Conference Secretariat. ISTERH 2004 Conference Secretariat c/o Agora Communication 2600, boulevard Laurier (Suite 2680) Sainte-Foy, QC, CANADA GIV 4M6 Phone: 1 (418) 658-6755 Fax: 1 (418) 658-8850 E-mail: isterh@agoracom.qc.ca Credit card (Visa and MasterCard only) payments must be in Canadian dollars (please note that the transaction will appear under the name of Agora Communication on your statement). Cheque, money order or bank draft must be in US$, drawn on a bank located in the USA and made payable to "ISTERH Bangkok 2004". For bank draft, please indicate the bank draft number and issuing bank on the registration form. Your registration will be processed only when the Conference Secretariat has received your completed registration form and full payment. You will then be notified of confirmed registration. Registration Fees (ที่ใบลงทะเบียนโปรดเขียนว่าเป็นคนไทย และกรอก 165 เหรียญแคนาดา ลงในช่อง grand total) (Note: Amounts in Canadian dollars fluctuate with changes in currency exchange rate) ISTERH Members On or before August 1, 2004: $425USD (CDN$544) By September 1, 2004: $455 USD (CDN$583) On-site: $495 USD (CDN$634) Non-ISTERH Member Attending Meeting On or before August 1, 2004: $475 USD (CDN$608) By September 1, 2004: $505 USD (CDN$646) On-site: $525 USD (CDN$672) Accompanying Persons not Attending Scientific Sessions On or before August 1, 2004: $90 USD (CDN$114) By September 1, 2004: $115 USD (CDN$146) On-site: $150 USD (CDN$192) Student (must have letter from mentor) On or before August 1, 2004: $150 USD (CDN$192) By September 1, 2004: $160 USD (CDN$205) On-site: $175 USD (CDN$225) Delegate and Student registration includes: --Admission to all the scientific sessions --Welcome Reception --Coffee Breaks --Poster wine and cheeese refreshments --Tuesday afternoon Conference excursion --Banquet --Lunch on Monday, November 8 --Welcome pack (including Conference abstract book and relevant materials) Accompanying person registration includes: --Welcome Reception --Conference tour guide representative available at the Shangra-La Hotel throughout the meetingRoom --Tuesday afternoon Conference excursion --Banquet Cancellation Policy Cancellation of registration must be made in writing by mail, fax or e-mail to the Conference Secretariat by September 1, 2004. An administrative charge of US$75 per person will be levied for cancellation. No refund will be given for cancellation requests received after October 1, 2004. Spouse/Guest fees are non-refundable. Please note that refunds will only be made after the Conference. ISTERH Registration and Information Desk Please come to this desk at the Shangri-La Hotel to pick up your conference kit and identification badge. You must wear this badge in order to participate in Conference activities. Opening hours Sunday, November 7: 15:00-20:00 Monday, November 8: 07:00-17:00 Tuesday, November 9: 07:00-17:00 Wednesday, November 19: 07:00-10:00 SOCIAL PROGRAM Welcome Reception Dress code: Informal Fee: included in registration fee The delegates to the Conference and registered accompanying persons are invited to the Welcome Reception to be held on Sunday, November 7, 2004, at 18:30 at the Shangri-La Hotel. Bangkok Excursion Dress Code: of circumstance Fee: included in registration fee Take advantage of a leisurely guided tour to view and experience the spectacular sights of the old capitol, Ayudhaya. Banquet Dress Code: Business attire Fee: included in registration fee A Banquet will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2004. All delegates and accompanying persons are cordially invited to this special activity of the Conference that should provide everybody with an exquisite memory of Bangkok and Thai cuisine. (เรียนเชิญนักวิชาการไทยทุกท่านเข้าร่วมประชุม ในอัตราค่าลงทะเบียนประเทศเจ้าภาพ 6,000 บาท และมีสิทธิเหมือนผู้เข้าร่วมประชุมต่างประเทศทุกประการ) ACCOMMODATIONS We encourage delegates to register for rooms at the SHANGRI-LA, our Headquarters Hotel, because special rates have been negotiated. Two satellite hotels are available close by the Shangri-La for those delegates who wish to reduce accommodation expenses further. For all Conference hotels (see map below), reservations must be made by telephone before September 1, 2004 and specify "ISTERH Bangkok 2004". After that date, the special rate and room availability will no longer be guaranteed. Requests for rooms will be accepted on a first-come first served basis. Click HERE to view more photos of the amenities of the hotels. 1. Shangri-La Hotel (89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok) Rate per night for single/double (in US$): Superior River View, 105++/115++ Executive River View, 125++/135++ Horizon Club, 160++/170++ Executive Suite, 205++ Horizon Premier Room, 225++ (++ = subject to 17.7% service charge and value added tax) Buffet breakfast is included in the cost of the hotel room. Click HERE to download Shangri-La Hotel registration form Telephone number: +66 2 236 7777 Fax number: +66 2 236 8579 2. Manohra Hotel (412 Suriwongse Rd, Bangkok) Rate per night for single/twin (in US$): Superior Room, 30/34 The above rate is inclusive of tax, service charge and buffet breakast. Manohra Hotel also provides one way transportation from the Manohra to the Shangri-La Hotel in the morning for every 3 passengers free of charge. (NOTE: These improved rates supercede those printed in the "Preliminary Program & Call for Abstracts") Click HERE to download Manohra Hotel registration form Telephone number: +66 2 234 5070 Fax number: +66 2 237 7662 or +66 2 266 5411 3. Narai Hotel (222 Silom Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok) Rate per night for single/twin (in US$): Standard Room, 60/60 Superior Room, 70/70 Deluxe Room, 100 The above rates are inclusive of tax, service charge and buffet breakast. (NOTE: These improved rates supercede those printed in the "Preliminary Program & Call for Abstracts") Click HERE to download Narai Hotel registration form Telephone number: +66 2 237 0100 Fax number: +66 2 236 7161 or +66 2 237 0142 Locator Map for those conference hotels listed above GENERAL INFORMATION Official Language English is the official language of the Conference. English is widely understood in cities and Thai-English street signs are found nationwide. Letter of Invitation Individuals requiring an official letter of invitation in order to attend the Conference may write to the Conference Secretariat who will transfer the request to the Conference Host in Bangkok. This procedure is designed to assist participants who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the Conference and does not cover registration fees or any other expense. The invitation does not imply provision of financial or other support. Badges Identification badges are mandatory and will be required for admission to all the Conference functions, scientific program, poster sessions and exhibition areas. Individuals who loose their badges will be required to pay a fee to obtain a personalized replacement badge. Certificate of Attendance A certificate of attendance will be available on site. Climate Average temperatures are about 29° C, ranging in Bangkok from 35° C (95° F) in April to 17° C (62° F) in December. The northern region can be a bit cooler during the cool season, so visitors are advised to pack a sweater or light jacket at this time. Closer to the equator, the southern peninsula of Thailand has little seasonal variation in climate with rain almost everyday. Dress Outside official function, light and loose cotton clothing is recommended. Water Though tap water in Thailand is quite safe, bottled drinking water is still recommended. Most hotels provide drinking water in the rooms, and bottled water is readily available at shops and convenience stores. Currency The Thai monetary unit is the baht, which is subdivided into 100 satang. Notes are issued in denominations of B1000 (gray), B500 (purple), B100 (red), B50 (blue), B20 (green), and B10 (brown). There are 10, 5 and 1 baht coin, and 50 and 25 satang. A US$1 is worth approximately 41-43 baht. Current exchange rates between various world currencies can be approximated at a currency rate website (http://finance.yahoo.com/m3). Credit Cards Major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Master card, and Diners Club) are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shops, malls and travel agencies. ATMs are also abundant although the display may be in Thai. Exchange Control Visitors may bring any amount of foreign currency into Thailand, but must note the amount on the customs declaration form upon arrival. Travelers may take out no more than 50,000 Baht per person unless the cusoms form verifies a greater amount was brought into the country. Visas Please consult the Thai Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of your country (http://www.thaiembassy.org/). The official Thai government website for visas and passports is located at http://www.mfa.go.th./web/12.php. Normally, the business visa is more appropriate to attend scientific conferences. Individuals requiring an official letter of invitation in order to attend the Conference may write to the Conference Secretariat who will transfer the request to the Conference Host in Bangkok. US Federal Government employees are reminded to obtain the appropriate documents for official travel. For some nationalities, 15-day tourist visas can be obtained on arrival, and may be extended at Bangkok's immigration office. These and other types of visas can be applied for at Thailand's embassies and consulates throughout the world. If you plan on visiting a neighbouring country and returning to Thailand, you will need a re-entry visa. Applications can be obtained at Bangkok's immigration office. Tourist Information The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), with offices in the Kingdom and abroad, provides a range of information for visitors (www.tat.or.th). Their tourist hotline 1155 can be dialed from anywhere in the country, and the lines are open 24 hours a day. Bi-lingual Tourist Police can be reached at this number 24 hours a day, and they are also stationed at kosks at major tourist areas. Access to Bangkok Most travellers touch down at Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport (http://www.thaiair.com/thailand/bkk.htm#bkkit1). The airport comprises three terminals, from north to south: Terminal 1, the newer Terminal 2, and the Domestic Terminal. Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by a short corridor. The Domestic Terminal, for flights to destinations within Thailand, is 300 metres south of Terminal 2 and is connected to both international terminals by a free shuttle bus which runs at 15-minute intervals. Airport Fees       International departures: 500 Baht       Domestic flights: 30 Baht Bangkok Airport Transport Don Muang Airpot is 20 kms. north of Bangkok, and there are several methods of transport into the city, which can take 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the time of day and destination.      Conference Hotels. Hotel representatives will be waiting in the arrival terminal if a request for pick up at the airport is requested when hotel reservations are made.      Limousine. The Limousine Service Counter can arrange air-conditioned transport to Bangkok for 650-1,200 Baht depending on the location.      Metered Taxis. All the terminals have taxi stands. The attendant notes your destination and assigns a taxi. You pay the meter amount, generally between 150-250 Baht, plus a 50 Baht surcharge, to the driver.      Airport Mini-Bus. Air-conditioned shuttle buses depart from all terminals, and make various stops in Bangkok at a cost of 100 Baht. Ground and River Transportation      Skytrain.Bangkok's new skytrain is an inexpensive and fast way to move around the city. Fares vary, depending on the destination, but 3-day tourist passes are available for 280 Baht. See below for map.      Taxis. Metered taxis are plentiful in Bangkok, with official ones recognizable by their yellow license plates. The meter starts at 35 Baht, and the fare is 2 Baht for the first 2 kilometers. Three-shell tuk-tuks are not metered, and passengers must bargain with the driver. Outside Bangkok, taxis are scarce or non-existent, but most hotels provide some form of transportation service. There is no tipping but round the fare to the next highest five or 10 bath. There are no taxi stands; you stand on the curb and wave down a passing vehicle.      Limousines. Major hotels in Bangkok operate fleets of air-conditioned limousines. Prices are higher than ordinary taxis, but they offer the convenience of English-speaking drivers, door-to-door service, and set fares.      Boats. One-baht commuter ferries cross Bangkok's Chao Phya River at dozens of point between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. Canal ferries start at Pan Fah Bridge (the intersection of Larn Luang and Rajdamnern Rds.) and head east on Saensab Canal to Soi 71, Sukhumvit Rd. Express boats run up and down the river, stopping at a dozen landings along the way. The orange boats travel as far as Pakkred; the white boats terminate at Nonthaburi. WEBSITES RELEVANT FOR AIRPORT AND LOCAL TRANSPORTATION BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: http://www.airportthai.co.th/airportnew/bia/html/gen_info1.html SKYTRAIN ROUTE MAP: http://www.maps-thailand.com/map_skytrain.htm MAP OF CENTRAL BANGKOK: http://www.maps-thailand.com/map_bangkok_central.htm DOWNTOWN BANGKOK MAP: http://www.maps-thailand.com/map_bangkok_big.htm Units of Measure Thailand uses the Metric System. Electricity 220-volt 50 cycles throughout the country. Power surges are common and voltage stabelizers are a nessacity for equipments like computers. Electricity sockets are usually of the flat or round two-pin type but there is a trend towards earthed three-pin outlets in many modern buildings. Gratuities Tipping is not commonly or traditionally practiced in Thailand although it is becoming more widespread as a result of foreign influence. Tips are sometimes expected in the more expensive restaurants, hairdressers and for hotel porters. Do not add a tip in hotel restaurants (where a service charge is added to the bill anyway) or in street restaurants. Taxi fares should be rounded up to the nearest 5 or 10 baht. Health and Personal Insurance The ISTERH 2004 organizers cannot accept liability for injuries or losses arising from accidents or other situations during or as a consequence of the Conference. No vaccinations are required for entering Thailand unless you are coming from contaminated countries. Thailand has modern hospitals with English-speaking doctors in the main tourist areas. Prices for care and medicine are reasonable, but be sure your medical insurance is valid in Thailand. It is also recommended that insurance against possible loss of luggage or travel disruption be retained. Internet Many hotels provide Internet services, and cyber cafes are plentiful throughout the country. DISCLAIMERS & RESTRICTIONS ISTERH will not assume responsibility for medical expenses of conference participants and their guests at the conference. All participants are urged to ensure that they and their guests are covered by their own travel and health insurance policies while traveling to/from and while attending the conference. ISTERH is not responsible for private possessions lost or stolen at the conference. ISTERH 2004 PLANNING COMMITTEES ISTERH 2004 Planning Committee Chair: Curtiss Hunt, Ph.D. ISTERH 2004 Host: Songsak Srianujata, Ph.D. Scientific Program Chair: Harold Sandstead, M.D. Local Organizing Committee: The Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University      Songsak Srianujata, Ph.D.      Emorn Wasantwisut, Ph.D.      Prapaisri Sirichakwal, Ph.D.      Pongtorn Sungpuag, D.Sc.      Anadi Nittithamyong, Ph.D.      Tanuma Chandraprasert, M.Ed. Abstracts and Oral and Poster Presentations Committee Chair: Monica Nordberg, Ph.D. Publicity Committee Chair: Muriel Bost, Ph.D. ISTERH Executive Committee: President: Harold Sandstead, M.D. (USA) Vice President: Mohammed Abdulla, M.D. (SWEDEN) Treasurer: Curtiss Hunt, Ph.D. (USA) Secretary: Muriel Bost, Ph.D. (FRANCE) Immediate Past President: George J Brewer, M.D. (USA) ISTERH Council: Mary L'Abbe (CANADA) Jan Aaseth (NORWAY) Ayhan Cavdar (TURKEY) Jeanne Freeland-Graves (USA) Rosalind Gibson (NEW ZEALAND) Forrest Nielsen (USA) Monica Nordberg (SWEDEN) Manuel Ruz (CHILE) Hiramu Sakurai (JAPAN) Noel Solomons GUATEMALA) Anne Roussel (FRANCE) Swapan Kumar Roy (BANGLADESH) Yoji Takagi (JAPAN) Neil Ward (UNITED KINGDOM)