Bangkok  - Thailand has detected a fresh outbreak of avian influenza among free-range chickens in the northern province of Sukhothai, the country's agriculture minister confirmed Monday.

Agriculture Minister Somsak Prissananathakul said lab tests had confirmed that a dead chicken from a family farm in Thuang Saliam district of Sukhothai province had died of an infection with H5N1, the virus subtype causing bird flu.

Washington, Nov 10 : A new study has revealed that neither vitamin E nor vitamin C supplements reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in men.

Previous studies have suggested that vitamin E, vitamin C, and other antioxidants reduce cardiovascular disease by trapping organic free radicals, by deactivating excited oxygen molecules, or both, to prevent tissue damage.

Munich - Condoms can help support the healing process of viral infections that affect the cervix, according to the Munich-based professional association for German gynaecologists.

Mutations that occur in cells affected by the human papilloma virus (HPV) are better contained when condoms are used because they the prevent the virus from spreading, the association said. In addition they protect from other sexually transmitted diseases that can slow down the healing process.

Hamburg  - Ventilating a home was no problem in the past because even when windows were kept shut, there was a constant exchange of air through poorly insulated exterior walls, joints, and cracks.

This uncontrolled ventilation wasted a lot of energy, though, and made the home's occupants turn up the heat. To save energy, buildings in Germany have been better insulated and equipped with modern windows in recent years.

But the new, airtight windows with heat-insulating glazing have a negative side. "Unless ventilation methods are changed, air moisture caused by showering, cooking, and washing isn't drawn out of living quarters, kitchens, and bathrooms," noted Dirk Petersen, who works for Hamburg's consumer advice centre.

Cologne, Germany  - A crying baby should never be shaken as this can cause severe brain damage or even death, Germany's professional association for paediatricians said in Cologne.

Parents should first leave the room or count to 10 and take a deep breath before acting hastily and doing something they later bitterly regret, the association advises. A paediatrician could recommend a nearby outpatient clinic that can make the interaction with a difficult infant easier.

Bad Wildungen, Germany  - The most common symptoms of an acute urinary tract infection are a burning sensation during urination, pain in the lower abdomen, and an unusually frequent urge to pass water - with only small amounts passed.

An inflammation confined to the urethra and bladder is not dangerous for an otherwise healthy person. But all cases should be treated to prevent complications.