Abstract: Improved molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with both higher and more specific binding capacity for particular bile acids and/or salts, including the synthesis of such MIPs, the compounds themselves, and specific applications thereof. As an example of a particularly preferred specific application of these compounds, the present invention encompasses the use of the MIPs as sequestrants in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in order to bind and therefore remove toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the present invention is also useful for treatment of various diseases which are related to, and/or characterized by, an effect of bile acids and salts, such as atherosclerosis, liver disease and various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The MIP compounds of the present invention are also useful for combination therapy with other medications and for diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.

Abstract: Improved molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with both higher and more specific binding capacity for particular bile acids and/or salts, including the synthesis of such MIPs, the compounds themselves, and specific applications thereof. As an example of a particularly preferred specific application of these compounds, the present invention encompasses the use of the MIPs as sequestrants in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in order to bind and therefore remove toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the present invention is also useful for treatment of various diseases which are related to, and/or characterized by, an effect of bile acids and salts, such as atherosclerosis, liver disease and various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The MIP compounds of the present invention are also useful for combination therapy with other medications and for diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.

Abstract: Improved molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with both higher and more specific binding capacity for particular bile acids and/or salts, including the synthesis of such MIPs, the compounds themselves, and specific applications thereof. As an example of a particularly preferred specific application of these compounds, the present invention encompasses the use of the MIPs as sequestrants in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in order to bind and therefore remove toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the present invention is also useful for treatment of various diseases which are related to, and/or characterized by, an effect of bile acids and salts, such as atherosclerosis, liver disease and various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The MIP compounds of the present invention are also useful for combination therapy with other medications and for diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.

Abstract: A system and method for concentrating the intensity of light emitted by a high-intensity source for delivery to a remote target, so that the power density of the active radiating region of the source is nearly restored at the target. The source is surrounded by a plurality of nonimaging concentrators. If the source is elongated, the concentrators are similarly elongated and parallel to the source. If the source is compact, the preferred geometric pattern of the concentrators is dodecahedral. The geometry of the concentrators is designed in accordance with the edge-ray principle of nonimaging optics. Channels such as optical fibers or light pipes are coupled optically to the absorbers of the concentrators, to conduct the concentrated light to the remote target.