Abstract: Processing of .beta.-amyloid precursor protein (.beta.APP) is monitored by detecting the secretion of a soluble .beta.APP fragment resulting from cleavage of .beta.APP at the amino-terminus of .beta.-amyloid peptide. In vivo monitoring of secretion of the .beta.APP fragment may be monitored for diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer's disease and other .beta.-amyloid-related diseases, while in vitro monitoring of such secretion from cultured cells may be monitored to identify inhibitors of .beta.-amyloid production. The .beta.APP fragment may be detected using antibodies and other specific binding substances which recognize a carboxy-terminal residue on the fragment.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treating neurodegeneration in mammalian cells by administering a phospholipase A2 inhibitor.

Abstract: An osmotic device is disclosed comprising an exterior coat comprising an estrogenic and a progestogenic steroid that are delivered immediately as a contraceptive pair for fertility regulation in a female, and a compartment comprising an estrogenic steroid that is delivered at a controlled rate over a prolonged period of time for fertility regulation in a female.