Cortisol

Diurnal variation in cortisol
Plasma cortisol levels are highest on waking and lowest before early sleeping.

Dexamethasone is used to suppress ACTH production to determine if there is something wrong with the adrenal-pituitary axis. An advantage is that dexamethasone does not cross react with other cortisol assays. The caveats are that the cytochrome p450 system metabolizes dexamethasone, so agents that stimulate the p450 system may cause this test not to work (e.g. in alcoholics). Obese patients with a higher volume of distribution may not suppress on the screening dose.

Low dose and high doses of dexamethasone are used to differentiate Cushing's syndrome and Cushing's disease.

NYC fire code nuggets

CORROSIVE MATERIALS: A liquid, solid, or gas that causes permanent injury (“full thickness destruction”) to human skin at a rate specified by the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Or a liquid that can corrode ¼ inch of steel or aluminum within the course of a year.

LECTURE BOTTLE: A small compressed gas container up to a size of approximately 2 in. X 13 in.



ORGANIC PEROXIDE: An organic compound having a double oxygen or peroxy (-O-O-) in its chemical structure. Organic peroxides can present an explosion hazard (detonation or deflagration), can be shock sensitive, can be susceptible to decomposition into various unstable compounds over an extended period of time. The materials are divided in to six classes from Classes I through V and unclassified detonable class, with decreasing levels of hazard from Class I through Class V.


PYROPHORIC MATERIAL: A material that is so chemically unstable that it may ignite spontaneously at a temperature at or below 130°F.

-sounds fun



-Safety shower? yes, please