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ESOC 2025: Combined oral contraceptives triple risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women, new study shows

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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. https://doi.org/10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000086

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Wise introduces first-of-its-kind multi-currency Interest feature in Canada

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Wise customers can now opt in to earn market-leading returns on CAD, USD, EUR and GBP from the convenience of one multi-currency accountCustomers opted in can continue to send, spend and convert funds while earning a return, with no penalties or minimum balance requirements

TORONTO, May 4, 2026 /CNW/ – Wise, the global technology company building the best way to move and manage the world’s money, today announced the launch of its new Interest feature for people and businesses in Canada. Wise is the first provider in Canada to enable customers to earn a return on balances held across multiple currencies within one consolidated account.

Millions of Canadians send international payments each year, with outbound remittances and cross-border commercial activity steadily increasing, according to public data from Payments Canada. However, options for holding and growing money across multiple currencies have historically required opening separate accounts with financial providers in each currency. These accounts often come with minimum balance thresholds and promotional rates that get more expensive over time. Wise Interest removes these barriers for Canadians.

Eligible customers can now opt into the new Interest feature to earn a market-leading return on balances held in CAD, USD, EUR and GBP from the convenience of their Wise multi-currency account. Once opted in, customers can continue to hold, spend, send and convert their money internationally from their balances with no penalties or minimum balance requirements.

Key features of the new feature include:

Earn market-leading returns across currencies: Opt in to Interest and earn 2.22% in CAD, 3.14% in USD,  0.8% in EUR and 2.21% in GBP from the convenience of the Wise multi-currency account*Instant access to your funds: Continue to hold, spend, send funds internationally with no minimum balance requirements or lock-up periodsSimple opt-in: Activate the feature in just a few taps within the Wise app

Vinay Nilakantan, Head of Product for North America at Wise, said: “Earning a return on your money across currencies shouldn’t require opening and managing multiple accounts or giving up access to your funds — but that’s the reality many Canadians have grown accustomed to. With Wise’s Interest feature, we’re changing that. We’re offering a more flexible way for our customers to make their money work harder across currencies, combining market-leading returns with the ability to use funds instantly, all in one convenient account.”

This launch builds on Wise’s growing momentum in Canada, where its active customer base grew by more than 30% in FY25. As Wise continues to scale in the market, it is investing in local infrastructure to better serve its growing customer base. Wise became a member of Payments Canada earlier this year, making it eligible to apply for direct participation in Canada’s national payment systems, including ACSS, Lynx and the forthcoming Real-Time Rail. Over time, this direct access to local payment infrastructure would enable Wise to move money faster and reduce costs further for Canadians and people sending to and from Canada.

*To find out more about Wise’s Interest feature in Canada, please visit http://www.wise.com/ca/interest

About Wise

Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money. With Wise Account and Wise Business, people and businesses can hold 40 currencies, move money between countries and spend money abroad. Large companies and banks use Wise technology too; an entirely new network for the world’s money. Launched in 2011, Wise is one of the world’s fastest growing, profitable tech companies.

In fiscal year 2025, Wise supported around 15.6 million people and businesses, processing over $185 billion USD in cross-border transactions and saving customers around $2.6 billion USD.

Media Contact: Samantha Krupa‑Carbone, skrupa-carbone@national.ca

SOURCE WISE

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Ecobat Completes Sale of Germany & Austria Operations to Clarios, Marking Exit from European Lead Market

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DALLAS, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ecobat, a global leader in battery recycling, today announced the successful completion of the sale of its battery recycling and specialty lead operations in Germany and Austria to Clarios, a global leader in advanced energy storage solutions. The transaction encompasses Ecobat’s facilities in Freiberg and Braubach, Germany, as well as the Arnoldstein operation in Austria.

This sale, together with previously completed divestitures in France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, marks Ecobat’s exit from the European lead market and the completion of a multi-transaction repositioning of its Resources division.

“The sale of our Germany and Austria operations is a defining milestone for Ecobat,” said Tom Slabe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ecobat. “With our European lead footprint now fully transitioned to new ownership, Ecobat is positioned as a focused North American platform. We will continue to pursue opportunities to maximize value for shareholders as we build on that foundation.”

Mr. Slabe added, “Clarios’ expertise and strategic vision offer a strong foundation for the continued success of these operations in Germany and Austria. We’re confident they will continue to foster and enhance the valued relationships we have built with our employees, customers, and suppliers across Europe.”

Rothschild & Co acted as financial advisor and White & Case as legal advisor to Ecobat on the transaction.

About Ecobat

Ecobat is the world’s largest recycler of batteries with global operations. The company delivers innovative solutions for battery recycling, resource recovery and energy storage by responsibly managing valuable materials essential to modern life.

About Clarios

Clarios is the global leader in advanced, low-voltage battery technologies for mobility and owner of the brand VARTA in the automotive sector. Our batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars on the road today. With around 18,000 employees in over 100 countries, we bring deep expertise to our Aftermarket and OEM partners, and reliability, safety and comfort to everyday lives. We answer to the planet with a rigorous sustainability focus – advancing best-in-class sustainability practices and advocating for them across our industry. We work to ensure 100% of our products sold are recyclable, and we recycle 8,000 batteries an hour in our network.

For Media Inquiries:

Elizabeth Tuma

Ecobat

Press@Ecobat.com

1-888-317-4687 ext. 703

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SOURCE Ecobat

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Hyperscale Data to Launch 20-Week Business Spotlight Series to Highlight the Scale, Scope and Value of Its Operations

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Company Plans Weekly Monday Releases to Help Investors Better Understand Businesses Owned Directly and Through Ault Capital Group; Management Believes Hyperscale Data’s Assets and Operating Businesses Are Not Fully Reflected in the Company’s Market Valuation

LAS VEGAS, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), an artificial intelligence (“AI”) data center company anchored by Bitcoin (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that it plans to launch a 20-week business spotlight series, with a new press release expected to be issued each Monday morning, highlighting the Company’s businesses, subsidiaries, assets and strategic initiatives owned directly and through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”).

Management believes that the market does not fully appreciate the scale and breadth of the platform Hyperscale Data has built, the operations it conducts through acquisitions, internal development and ongoing investment or its resulting long-term growth opportunities. Through this 20-week series, Hyperscale Data intends to provide investors, stockholders and the broader market with enhanced transparency into its business, including its AI data center strategy, Bitcoin treasury and digital asset initiatives, robotics platform, financial services, lending operations, market platforms, defense-related businesses, energy services and other strategic assets.

The Company expects that more consistent and detailed communication may assist investors in more fully evaluating Hyperscale Data as a diversified operating platform with multiple potential growth drivers.

Management has previously indicated that it believes the Company has the potential to generate between $180 million and $200 million in annual revenue across its operating businesses for its fiscal year 2026, based on current operations and internal estimates. These expectations are forward-looking, subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially.

The 20-week series is expected to highlight businesses and strategic initiatives across the Hyperscale Data ecosystem, including, among others:

Infrastructure, AI, Digital Asset Platform and Robotics

Hyperscale Data’s AI data center infrastructure and strategy;The Company’s Bitcoin treasury and digital asset strategy;Sentinum, Inc. and its Bitcoin mining operations;Omnipresent Robotics, LLC and robotics and data collection opportunities;Ault Blockchain and blockchain-related initiatives; andDigital asset market-making, decentralized finance and tokenization initiatives, including through strategic investments, partnerships and other arrangements.

Financial Services and Market Platforms

ACG and its financial services platform;Ault Lending, LLC and its private credit activities;Ault Markets, Inc. and financial technology initiatives;askROI, Inc. and AI-powered software solutions; andOnlyBulls and consumer financial technology offerings.

Industrial, Energy and Defense Operations

Gresham Worldwide, Inc. and its defense and mission-critical operations;TurnOnGreen, Inc. and its design and manufacturing of power products for mission-critical applications across defense, healthcare, industrial and other sectors; andCircle 8 Crane Services, LLC and energy services.

Additional operating subsidiaries, investments and strategic assets that management believes are important to understanding the overall enterprise may also be highlighted among this series of press releases.

Milton “Todd” Ault III, Executive Chairman of Hyperscale Data, stated, “We believe Hyperscale Data is not yet fully understood by the market. Over the last several years, we have assembled a broad operating platform spanning AI data centers, Bitcoin and digital assets, robotics, financial services, lending, market platforms and defense-related businesses. Through this spotlight series, we intend to provide greater transparency into our operations and strategy, and to help investors better understand how these businesses may contribute to our long-term growth objectives as they continue to scale and integrate.”

The Company reserves the right to either issue press releases of the kind described in this announcement on Monday afternoons in the event that management believes a different kind of press release must be issued on Monday mornings or not issue them for a particular Monday at all. Further, the Company reserves the right to terminate the 20-week spotlight series in its entirety at any time.

For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging AI ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data’s other wholly owned subsidiary, ACG, is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

Hyperscale Data currently expects the divestiture of ACG (the “Divestiture”) to occur in the second quarter of 2027. Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, as well as a holder of the digital assets. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through Ault Lending, LLC, a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.

On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the “ACG Shares”). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be shareholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at hyperscaledata.com.

 

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SOURCE Hyperscale Data Inc.

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