The efficacy and safety of short-acting testosterone ointment (Glowmin) for late-onset hypogonadism in accordance with testosterone circadian rhythm

Introduction: It is well known that there is a reduction of circadian rhythm in blood testosterone levels with aging. Our previous report revealed that 3?mg of short-acting testosterone ointment (Glowmin: GL) elevated serum testosterone levels to within the physiological range for 4–6?h. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical efficacy and safety of GL used topically once every morning, to enhance the circadian rhythm of testosterone, for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH).

Methods: A total of 61 LOH patients received 3?mg of GL topically once a day in the morning on scrotal skin for 24 weeks. The clinical efficacy of GL was evaluated by the aging males symptoms (AMS) scale, and blood sampling tests were measured before and after GL treatment.

Results: Mean patients age was 55.3?±?9.2 years old. Total AMS scores at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after GL treatments significantly decreased. The results of sub-analysis of AMS, including psychological, physical, and sexual factors also significantly improved after GL treatments. No severe adverse reactions or abnormal laboratory data were reported.

Conclusions: This study shows that TRT for LOH with once daily GL treatment supports testosterone circadian rhythm and should be considered to be an effective and safe therapy for LOH.     

日本稻米价格与收入补贴政策的演进过程及战略创新

作为经济成长战略的组成部分，日本政府决定依靠提升竞争力和开拓市场，大幅度增加农业收入。水稻是最主要的粮食作物，对其限产保护和主食用稻米的生产补贴将于2018年取消。日本水稻生产经营以小规模农户为主，对价格保护和收入补贴有较强依赖性，相关政策调整备受关注。本文系统梳理了日本稻米价格和收入补贴政策的演进过程，以及新形势下的战略创新。发端于“二战”前的价格管制在稳定粮荒时代稻米供求的同时，也带来了沉重的财政负担。随着供求关系的变化和相关法律的调整，粮食流通市场逐渐开放，以市场为基础的稻米价格形成机制确立。从1990年代末开始，受农业经济形势特别是世贸组织规则的限制，日本政府更多依靠收入补贴缓解价格下降对农业生产的冲击。伴随政党更替，补贴对象和标准几经修改。自民党政府侧重于促进生产资源向高效、可持续的农业经营体集中，民主党政府则更多考虑小规模农户的生产成本补偿。为化解稻米供给量反弹压力，补贴的重点已经转向饲料和加工等新用途稻米，并且正在努力升级为农业保险。