A Linear Algebra Approach for Detecting Binomiality of Steady State Ideals of Reversible Chemical Reaction Networks

Motivated by problems from Chemical Reaction Network Theory, we investigate whether steady state ideals of reversible reaction networks are generated by binomials. We take an algebraic approach considering, besides concentrations of species, also rate constants as indeterminates. This leads us to the concept of unconditional binomiality, meaning binomiality for all values of the rate constants. This concept is different from conditional binomiality that applies when rate constant values or relations among rate constants are given. We start by representing the generators of a steady state ideal as sums of binomials, which yields a corresponding coefficient matrix. On these grounds we propose an efficient algorithm for detecting unconditional binomiality. That algorithm uses exclusively elementary column and row operations on the coefficient matrix. We prove asymptotic worst case upper bounds on the time complexity of our algorithm. Furthermore, we experimentally compare its performance with other existing methods

Solubility of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate crystallization in the presence of crude extract and fractions from Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff

Background and Aim: Urinary tract stones are the third common urinary tract disease that may lead to renal failure. Kelussia odoratissima is traditionally used in the treatment of kidney stones in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari region. This study was designed to investigate in vitro effect of crude extract and fractions of K. odoratissima on kidney stones (calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate). Materials and Methods: A total of 70% ethanolic extract of K. odoratissima was prepared by maceration method followed by liquid-liquid extraction with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and saturated n-butanol to get four fractions. Calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate were synthesized and then were treated with hydroalcoholic extract and fractions. Their effects on the dissolution of generated stone were assayed by calcium kit. The stones were synthesized and confirmed by fourier-transform infrared technique. Results: Results showed that total extract and its fractions had significant potency to dissolve calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate crystals. The results indicate the higher potency of fractions containing nonpolar compounds to dissolve calcium phosphate and calcium oxalate stones compared to the fractions containing polar compounds. n-butanolic fraction had the least effect and hexane fraction had the greatest effect on the calcium phosphate stones. Furthermore, the total extract has less dissolution ability, compared to the fractions. Conclusion: The obtained results of this study exhibited that the use of K. odoratissima extract and its fractions could help to dissolve urinary stones. Therefore, it can be effective in prevention and treatment of kidney stones on people who are prone to the formation of calcium oxalate and phosphate stones. Abbreviations Used: Caox: Calcium Oxalate, Caph: Calcium Phosphate, K. odoratissima: Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. © 2018 Pharmacognosy Research Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow