Latest news with #IstanbulUniversity
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
23-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Erdogan bans images of jailed Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu as crackdown intensifies
Turkish authorities have imposed a ban on using images and sound recordings of jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu read more In another sign of escalating standoff with opposition and shrinking space for dissent in Turkey, authorities there have imposed a ban on using images, sound recordings of jailed Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and dozens of municipality staff members who were detained earlier. Istanbul prosecutor's office made the announcement, banning all visual depictions of the key opposition figure and potential presidential contender. Meanwhile, local media reported that police detained 44 people in the latest round of raids as part of a graft investigation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The development has raised concerns over Erdogan's relentless assault on Turkey's democracy even as supporters of Imamoglu hold protests nationwide. Just days back, Imamoglu's opposition Republican People's Party or CHP held a massive rally in Istanbul, pressing Erdogan for the mayor's release. They also view the ongoing probe against him as politically motivated. Imamoglu was detained in March on corruption charges that he has vehemently denied. The CHP has accused Erdogan of using the judiciary to prevent the mayor from running in the presidential polls. On the other hand, the president has accused the CHP of 'doing everything to disturb the public peace, to polarise the nation.' Notably, Imamoglu is the frontrunner for CHP's nomination, but his candidacy took a hit after Istanbul University annulled his diploma in March this year, citing alleged irregularities with Council of Higher Education regulations. Under the Turkish Constitution, a presidential candidate must hold a higher education degree. Imamoglu alleged the university's decision was 'illegal'. Now, the latest move to ban depictions of the Istanbul mayor has intensified confrontations between the ruling and opposition factions. The deepening political crisis and suppression of democratic rights have cast a gloomy shadow over financial markets as well. Since Imamoglu's arrest and ensuing protests, the Turkish lira has come under great pressure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Turkish authorities had to raise interest rates and spend around $50 billion in foreign reserves to keep the currency stabilised. Does Erdogan want to further extend his rule? There are concerns that Erdogan might be looking for ways to alter the country's constitution so that he can hold on to power even after his term ends in three years. Erdogan first led the country as prime minister from 2003 and was elected president in 2014. However, he can't run for elections again unless rules are changed. Erdogan has denied allegations that he wants to change the constitution to extend his rule, saying he was 'not interested' in being re-elected. 'We want the new constitution not for ourselves, but for our country. I have no interest in being re-elected or running for office again,' he told reporters earlier this week.
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Birth control pill may triple risk of cryptogenic stroke in women: Study
New Delhi: Taking birth control pills or combined oral contraceptives containing both oestrogen and progestin may triple the risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women, according to a study. Strokes without a known cause are called cryptogenic. It accounts for up to 40 per cent of all ischaemic strokes in young adults. Despite its prevalence, the contribution of sex-specific risk factors, such as contraceptive use, has remained underexplored. The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking hormonal contraception to vascular risk in women of reproductive age. 'Our findings confirm earlier evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk,' said lead author Dr. Mine Sezgin, Department of Neurology, Istanbul University. 'What's particularly notable is that the association remains strong even when accounting for other known risk factors, which suggests there may be additional mechanisms involved – possibly genetic or biological,' she added. The research included 268 women aged 18-49 years with cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (CIS) and 268 age-matched stroke-free controls across 14 centres in Europe. Of the participants, 66 patients and 38 controls were using combined combined oral contraceptives. While the researchers note that further prospective studies are needed, they advise clinicians to exercise caution when prescribing combined oral contraceptives to women with known vascular risk factors or a history of ischaemic stroke. 'Our findings should prompt more careful evaluation of stroke risk in young women, particularly those with additional risk factors,' Dr. Sezgin said. Next, the researchers plan to explore biological and genetic mechanisms underlying the observed association between combined oral contraceptive use and increased stroke risk to better understand how hormonal contraceptives may independently elevate stroke risk. The findings were presented at the ongoing European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) 2025 in Helsinki, Finland.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Oral Contraceptives May Triple Stroke Risk
New Delhi: Women who use a combined oral contraceptive (COC)—better known as the pill—are three times more likely to suffer an unexpected stroke than those who don't. These new findings were presented at a conference of European Stroke Organisation in Finland's Helsinki on May 20. The pill is a hormonal contraceptive, containing both oestrogen and progestogen , which prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. A research at Istanbul University in Turkiye has established the connection between cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (CIS) and oral contraceptives. The research analysed 268 women, aged 18 to 49 years, who experienced unexpected strokes, comparing them with 268 women in the similar age group without a stroke history. Studies from 2019 and 2022 highlighted similar concerns. The discovery of direct vascular effects of COCs requires immediate attention. Healthcare professionals acknowledge that extended usage periods and increased oestrogen levels heighten stroke risks. Dr Anuradha Kapur, principal director (obstetrics & gynaecology) and head of the unit at Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, pointed out that while medicines could notably raise the likelihood of ischaemic strokes, they typically required existing risk elements to cause harm. "Think of it as adding gasoline to a fire that has not yet been lit. If you have a genetic factor or already have a risk factor, the pill can be the trigger," she clarified. However, research findings demonstrated that the increased stroke risk associated with oral contraceptive use appears to operate independently, as no significant associations were found between contraceptive usage and other documented risk factors. "Our findings confirm earlier evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk," said Dr Mine Sezgin of the neurology department at Istanbul University and the lead author of the study. "What's particularly notable is that the association remains strong even when accounting for other known risk factors, which suggests there may be additional mechanisms involved—possibly genetic or biological." Dr Renu Gupta, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute Delhi, emphasised that stroke resulted from multiple factors, including genetic, physiological and lifestyle-related risks. She noted that COC could trigger complications in women with underlying health conditions, including undiagnosed thrombophilias or autoimmune conditions. While the researchers note that further prospective studies are needed, they advise clinicians to exercise caution when prescribing the pill to women with known vascular risk factors or a history of ischaemic stroke. Describing the connection between oral contraceptives and stroke, prof Manjari Tripathi, head of the neurology department at AIIMS, explained that COC usage consistently correlated with increased ischaemic stroke risk, particularly in women with pre-existing health risk factors. COC usage increases ischaemic stroke risk by 1.6 to 2 times, with higher risks in women experiencing migraines with aura. The risk intensifies for women who smoke, have high blood pressure, migraines with aura, or a stroke history. The oestrogen component potentially increases blood coagulability and clot formation. Dr Vinit Suri, senior consultant of neurology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, noted that first-year usage presented the highest risk, affected by oestrogen dosage. Modern pills contain lower oestrogen levels, reducing risks compared to older formulations, he pointed out. Risk increases with smoking, hypertension or age above 35. Healthy young women face minimal absolute risk, with pregnancy presenting higher stroke risks than oral contraceptives. "The real risk lies in stacking oestrogen on top of other vascular triggers—smoking, uncontrolled hypertension or migraine with aura—where non-oestrogen methods are clearly the wiser bet," said Dr Bhaskar Shukla, consultant neurologist at PSRI Hospital. Informed choice, annual check-ups and the growing menu of highly effective LARC devices mean women no longer have to trade peace of mind for modern contraception, he added.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
ESOC 2025: Combined oral contraceptives triple risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women, new study shows
HELSINKI, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New research presented today at the European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) 2025 revealed that the use of combined oral contraceptives (OCs) is associated with a threefold increase in the risk of cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (CIS) in young women.(1) The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking hormonal contraception to vascular risk in women of reproductive age. Cryptogenic ischaemic stroke, which is stroke with no identifiable cause, accounts for up to 40% of all ischaemic strokes in young adults.(2) Despite its prevalence, the contribution of sex-specific risk factors, such as contraceptive use, has remained underexplored. While prior studies have associated combined OCs with stroke risk, this is among the few studies to focus specifically on cryptogenic stroke in young women. The Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young (SECRETO) study included 268 women aged 18–49 years with CIS and 268 age-matched stroke-free controls across 14 centres in Europe. Of the participants, 66 patients and 38 controls were using combined OCs. After adjusting for age and established comorbidities such as hypertension, smoking, migraine with aura, and abdominal obesity, OC use was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.00 (95% CI: 1.61–5.57). No significant interactions were found between OC use and these risk factors, suggesting that the increased stroke risk may operate independently of other known contributors. "Our findings confirm earlier evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk," said Dr. Mine Sezgin, Department of Neurology, Istanbul University, and lead author of the study. "What's particularly notable is that the association remains strong even when accounting for other known risk factors, which suggests there may be additional mechanisms involved – possibly genetic or biological." Most OC users in the study were taking ethinylestradiol-based formulations, with a median dose of 20 micrograms. Other types of estrogen, such as estradiol hemihydrate and estradiol valerate, were also recorded. "We calculated the equivalent estrogen dose for each patient to ensure consistency," Dr Sezgin explained. "While our data provides important initial insights, larger studies are needed to determine if certain formulations carry different levels of risk. This knowledge could help guide more personalised contraceptive choices for women." While the researchers note that further prospective studies are needed, they advise clinicians to exercise caution when prescribing combined OCs to women with known vascular risk factors or a history of ischaemic stroke. "Our findings should prompt more careful evaluation of stroke risk in young women, particularly those with additional risk factors," concluded Dr. Sezgin. Moving forward, the researchers plan to explore biological and genetic mechanisms underlying the observed association between combined OC use and increased stroke risk to better understand how hormonal contraceptives may independently elevate stroke risk. Note to editors: A reference to ESOC 2025 must be included in all coverage and/or articles associated with this study. About the study author: Dr. Mine Sezgin is a neurologist and stroke researcher based at the Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine. Her work focuses on sex-specific risk factors and stroke prevention in young adults. About the European Stroke Organisation (ESO): The ESO is a pan-European society of stroke researchers and physicians, national and regional stroke societies and lay organisations that was founded in December 2007. The aim of the ESO is to reduce the burden of stroke by changing the way that stroke is viewed and treated. This can only be achieved by professional and public education, and by making institutional changes. ESO serves as the voice of stroke in Europe, harmonising stroke management across the whole of Europe and taking action to reduce the burden of stroke regionally and globally. References: 1. Sezgin, M., et al. Hormonal contraception increases the risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women. Abstract O049, presented at the European Stroke Organisation Conference; 21 May 2025; Vienna, Austria. 2. Yaghi, S., & Elkind, M. S. (2014). Cryptogenic stroke: A diagnostic challenge. Neurology. Clinical practice, 4(5), 386–393. View original content: SOURCE European Stroke Organisation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Korea Herald
21-05-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
ESOC 2025: Combined oral contraceptives triple risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women, new study shows
, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New research presented today at the European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) 2025 revealed that the use of combined oral contraceptives (OCs) is associated with a threefold increase in the risk of cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (CIS) in young women. (1) The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking hormonal contraception to vascular risk in women of reproductive age. Cryptogenic ischaemic stroke, which is stroke with no identifiable cause, accounts for up to 40% of all ischaemic strokes in young adults. (2) Despite its prevalence, the contribution of sex-specific risk factors, such as contraceptive use, has remained underexplored. While prior studies have associated combined OCs with stroke risk, this is among the few studies to focus specifically on cryptogenic stroke in young women. The Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young (SECRETO) study included 268 women aged 18–49 years with CIS and 268 age-matched stroke-free controls across 14 centres in Europe. Of the participants, 66 patients and 38 controls were using combined OCs. After adjusting for age and established comorbidities such as hypertension, smoking, migraine with aura, and abdominal obesity, OC use was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.00 (95% CI: 1.61–5.57). No significant interactions were found between OC use and these risk factors, suggesting that the increased stroke risk may operate independently of other known contributors. "Our findings confirm earlier evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk," said Dr. Mine Sezgin, Department of Neurology, Istanbul University, and lead author of the study. "What's particularly notable is that the association remains strong even when accounting for other known risk factors, which suggests there may be additional mechanisms involved – possibly genetic or biological." Most OC users in the study were taking ethinylestradiol-based formulations, with a median dose of 20 micrograms. Other types of estrogen, such as estradiol hemihydrate and estradiol valerate, were also recorded. "We calculated the equivalent estrogen dose for each patient to ensure consistency," Dr Sezgin explained. "While our data provides important initial insights, larger studies are needed to determine if certain formulations carry different levels of risk. This knowledge could help guide more personalised contraceptive choices for women." While the researchers note that further prospective studies are needed, they advise clinicians to exercise caution when prescribing combined OCs to women with known vascular risk factors or a history of ischaemic stroke. "Our findings should prompt more careful evaluation of stroke risk in young women, particularly those with additional risk factors," concluded Dr. Sezgin. Moving forward, the researchers plan to explore biological and genetic mechanisms underlying the observed association between combined OC use and increased stroke risk to better understand how hormonal contraceptives may independently elevate stroke risk. Note to editors: A reference to ESOC 2025 must be included in all coverage and/or articles associated with this study. About the study author: Dr. Mine Sezgin is a neurologist and stroke researcher based at the Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine. Her work focuses on sex-specific risk factors and stroke prevention in young adults. About the European Stroke Organisation (ESO): The ESO is a pan-European society of stroke researchers and physicians, national and regional stroke societies and lay organisations that was founded in December 2007. The aim of the ESO is to reduce the burden of stroke by changing the way that stroke is viewed and treated. This can only be achieved by professional and public education, and by making institutional changes. ESO serves as the voice of stroke in Europe, harmonising stroke management across the whole of Europe and taking action to reduce the burden of stroke regionally and globally. 1. Sezgin, M., et al. Hormonal contraception increases the risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women. Abstract O049, presented at the European Stroke Organisation Conference; 21 May 2025; Vienna, Austria. 2. Yaghi, S., & Elkind, M. S. (2014). Cryptogenic stroke: A diagnostic challenge. Neurology. Clinical practice, 4 (5), 386–393.
