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To evaluate the role of serum calcium in human insulin secretion, insulin responses after a 100-g oral glucose load were studied in nine patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, five with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, three with pseudohypoparathyroidism and one with normocalcemic secondary hyperparathyroidism. Glucose tolerance values in these disorders were almost normal. Insulin responses in primary hyperparathyroidism were increased, and those in idiopathic hypoparathyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism were reduced significantly as compared to normal subjects. Isulin response in secondary hyperparathyroidism was normal. The calculated insulin area during an oral glucose load was significantly correlated with serum calcium (5.1 to 12.2 mg per deciliter), and a linear relation was obtained (y = 1.59x - 3.3, r = 0.81, p less than 0.001), although a relation with the glucose area was not found. These observations indicate that serum calcium has an important effect on insulin secretion in parathyroid disorders.

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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive treatment modality for acute and chronic pain. However, little information for muscle activity is available on the immediate effects of TENS in masticatory muscle pain related to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The present study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of TENS treatment on TMD-related muscle pain. Thirty-six patients with TMD-related muscle pain and 39 healthy subjects served as TMD and control groups, respectively. For objective evaluations, maximum mouth opening, and maximum bite force were measured before and after TENS. The pain intensity was assessed according to a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). TENS was applied to painful muscles for 20 min with frequencies of 100–200 Hz. The treatment outcome was evaluated using Global Rating of Change (GRC) scales. In the TMD group, VAS values significantly decreased after TENS. Although there was significant increase in the maximum mouth opening after TENS for only TMD group, the maximum bite force of both groups was significantly greater after TENS. According to GRC scales, one patient with TMD-related muscle pain expressed negative feelings after TENS. Conclusively, TENS treatment might quickly relieve pain in masticatory muscles and improve masticatory functions in patients with TMD-related muscle pain.