Credit scoring with macroeconomic variables using survival analysis

Survival analysis can be applied to build models for time to default on debt. In this paper, we report an application of survival analysis to model default on a large data set of credit card accounts. We explore the hypothesis that probability of default (PD) is affected by general conditions in the economy over time. These macroeconomic variables (MVs) cannot readily be included in logistic regression models. However, survival analysis provides a framework for their inclusion as time-varying covariates. Various MVs, such as interest rate and unemployment rate, are included in the analysis. We show that inclusion of these indicators improves model fit and affects PD yielding a modest improvement in predictions of default on an independent test set

Determination of C-Reactive protein by an improved turbidimetric assay

An improved turbidimetric assay for the measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) has been evaluated in six laboratories on various analytical systems (Boehringer Mannheim Hitachi systems 704, 717, 747, 911, 917 and on Keysys® analyzer). Compared to the previous test version this assay has better transferability of results from instrument to instrument, less lipemia and gammopathy interference, a better linearity in the lower concentration range, the applicability of EDTA plasma or heparin plasma and a satisfactory recovery of target values according to CRM 470 standardization. The detection limit of the Tina-quant® CRP assay is 1.9 mg/l CRP. Median values of CVs within run of lower than 2.5% and between day of lower than 3.3% were obtained. A survey with 50 human pool sera revealed a good transferability of results obtained in different laboratories and on different analytical systems. Method comparison studies between the Tina-quant® CRP assay and fixed-time nephelometry, rate nephelometry and turbidimetry were in reasonable agreement (± 10%) throughout the entire measuring range. No drift effect was noticed with the tubing system on Boehringer Mannheim/Hitachi 747 analyzers. The reagent and calibration stability was extended to 12 weeks. The Tina-quant® CRP assay enables the precise, accurate, rapid and convenient determination of CRP used for routine clinical chemistry and STAT purposes

Cardioprotection following injury heart failure afforded by a non-enzymatic oxygenated metabolite of omega 3 fatty acid involves ryanodine receptor mechanism and Mitochondrial Function

Organized by Euro Fed Lipi

Levels of expression of CD19 and CD20 in chronic B cell leukaemias.

AIMS: To investigate whether the antigen levels of the B cell lineage markers CD19 and CD20 can distinguish between normal and neoplastic B cells or characterise distinct expression patterns among the chronic B cell leukaemias. METHODS: Peripheral blood cells from 70 patients with B cell disorders and 17 healthy donors were analysed by quantitative flow cytometry. Direct immunofluorescence staining was performed with phycoerythrin conjugated CD19 and CD20 monoclonal antibodies. Standard microbeads with different capacities to bind mouse immunoglobulins were used to convert the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) values into number of antigen molecules/cell, expressed as antibody binding capacity (ABC). RESULTS: CD19 and CD20 ABC values in leukaemic B cells differed from those of normal blood B lymphocytes. The results identified distinct profiles of CD19 and CD20 expression in the various types of B cell leukaemias. In all leukaemias studied except hairy cell leukaemia (HCL), CD19 expression was significantly lower than the mean (SD) value in normal B cells (22 (7) x 10(3) molecules/cell), as follows: chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), 13 (7) x 10(3); B prolymphocytic leukaemia (B-PLL), 16 (9) x 10(3); splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes (SLVL), 15 (11) x 10(3); mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), 10 (7) x 10(3). In HCL there was strong CD19 expression (38 (16) x 10(3)). In contrast, the level of expression of membrane CD20 was higher than the mean (SD) value in normal B cells (94 (16) x 10(3) molecules/cell) in MCL (123 (51) x 10(3)); B-PLL (129 (47) x 10(3)); SLVL (167 (72) x 10(3)); and HCL (312 (110) x 10(3)); while it was significantly lower (65 (11) x 10(3)) in CLL compared with normal B cells and the other B cell leukaemias. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative determination of CD19 and CD20 may provide useful diagnostic information for the study of B lymphoproliferative disorders