Free Republic

A five-day course of once-daily inorganic nitrate reduces the risk of a serious complication following a coronary angiogram, in which the dye used causes damage to the kidneys. The clinical trial also showed that the five-day course improves renal outcomes at three months and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at one year compared to placebo. Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), also known as contrast associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI), is an uncommon but serious complication following coronary angiography. A special dye, which is visible on X-rays, is injected into the body and when the dye reaches the coronary arteries, an X-ray is...

Portuguese police have seized half a tonne of explosives at a house that they say was being used as a base by Basque separatist group Eta. The discovery, which also included bomb-making equipment, was made in the central Portugal town of Obidos. Fake licence plates, detonators and maps were also found, officials said. A militant group fighting for an independent Basque homeland, Eta has been blamed for more than 820 deaths during its campaign in Spain. "The material was stored in secure conditions which indicates the work of professionals," local police chief Helder Barros said. Several of the explosives were...

Authorities descended on a Staten Island home Thursday after learning of the presence of large amounts of potassium nitrate, authorities said. Police discovered more than a ton of the substance in a storage facility near the home. Small amounts of potassium nitrate, mercury, peroxide and sulfur were found inside the residence. The resident, a man in his 50s, was taken into custody and charges were pending. His name was not released. The substance is often used in pyrotechnics, but NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said Thursday there was no evidence the man was involved in making bombs or selling bomb-making materials....