Washington, Oct 27 : Rheumatologists at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York have now uncovered how women suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, can have successful pregnancies.

Earlier, women with SLE were advised not to have children, and in case they did conceive a child, they were advised to have therapeutic abortions to prevent severe flares of their lupus.

Now, the new research provides information that may yield insights that support a reversal of that thinking.

Washington, Oct 27 : People with rheumatoid arthritis may be as much at risk of cardiovascular disease as that of type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and limitation in the motion and function of multiple joints. Apart from joints, RA can also cause inflammation in other organs as well.

While people with RA have long been known to be susceptible to cardiovascular disease, this is the first study to compare this risk with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Washington, Oct 27: For smokers with rheumatoid arthritis, kicking the butt might help in controlling its progression, according to a study.

Smoking is known to increase the risk and severity of RA, and its cessation has been shown to have a positive impact in slowing the progression of other diseases like coronary disease and emphysema.

The researchers conducted the study over 14,847 patients with RA based on their smoking status.

Of those, 65.4 percent were non-smokers, 22.1 percent were former smokers and12.5 percent were active smokers

They monitored the change in Clinical Disease Activity Index—a composite measure of disease activity in people with RA that assesses change over time.

With 11 people founded to be afflicted with Chikungunya at its three blocks — Singur, Chanditala andKhanakul, the Hooghly health authorities has sounded a red alert in the district on Sunday.

The likelihood of the disease surfacing in these areas has provoked the medical fraternity to swing into action.

Speaking on this, Hooghly’s Chief Medical Officer, Bhusan Chakraborty said, “We had sent 30 blood samples for a test. Reports revealed that 11 people have been afflicted. An emergency meeting was held on 23 October, following which an alert was sounded. The reports reached district health department recently.”

London, Oct 27: A drink that claims to offer the same nicotine fix as cigarette is set for a launch in Britain.

The soft drink, containing 15 per cent nicotine, will offer smokers an alternative to shivering outside bars and restaurants.

Even the cans of Liquid Smoking look similar to red and white cigarette cartons.

"We''ve got a product that has the same effects as nicotine, but which you can drink in restaurants and on flights," the Independent quoted Martin Hartman, of the United Drink and Beauty Corporation, as saying.

However, Liquid smoking has been criticised by anti-smoking groups as it may promote smoking.

Wellington, October 27: Clinical trials with a non-invasive and painless system, which can assess people’s average blood-sugar levels, is all set to begin in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Scientists at Canterbury University have joined forces with medical researchers at Christchurch Hospital for the purpose.

The researchers believe that the breakthrough system may revolutionise the way diabetics'' long-term glucose levels are monitored, and provide an easier way to identify people with the disease.