Purpose: There is still insufficient evidence for predicting stroke risk in patients with mild carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. This study aimed to explore the association between carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in mild stenosis and ischemic stroke, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 369 patients from July 2021 to March 2022. These patients were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on their recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Initial parameters of carotid plaques, such as IPN grading and contrast enhancement index, were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography and CEUS. The follow-up period lasted 12 months or until a newly-developed ischemic stroke occurred. Logistic regression models and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were employed to explore the associations between ultrasonic parameters and the incidence of recent and future ischemic strokes. Results: In patients with mild stenosis, both increasing age and grade 2 carotid IPN were significant predictors of recent primary ischemic stroke. Furthermore, grade 2 carotid IPN independently predicted future ischemic strokes in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Conclusion This study demonstrated that carotid IPN as detected by CEUS imaging holds potential as a useful non-invasive biomarker for predicting recent and future ischemic strokes in patients with mild carotid stenosis.

Purpose: There is still insufficient evidence for predicting stroke risk in patients with mild carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. This study aimed to explore the association between carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in mild stenosis and ischemic stroke, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 369 patients from July 2021 to March 2022. These patients were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on their recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Initial parameters of carotid plaques, such as IPN grading and contrast enhancement index, were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography and CEUS. The follow-up period lasted 12 months or until a newly-developed ischemic stroke occurred. Logistic regression models and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were employed to explore the associations between ultrasonic parameters and the incidence of recent and future ischemic strokes. Results: In patients with mild stenosis, both increasing age and grade 2 carotid IPN were significant predictors of recent primary ischemic stroke. Furthermore, grade 2 carotid IPN independently predicted future ischemic strokes in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Conclusion This study demonstrated that carotid IPN as detected by CEUS imaging holds potential as a useful non-invasive biomarker for predicting recent and future ischemic strokes in patients with mild carotid stenosis.

Purpose: There is still insufficient evidence for predicting stroke risk in patients with mild carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. This study aimed to explore the association between carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in mild stenosis and ischemic stroke, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 369 patients from July 2021 to March 2022. These patients were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on their recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Initial parameters of carotid plaques, such as IPN grading and contrast enhancement index, were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography and CEUS. The follow-up period lasted 12 months or until a newly-developed ischemic stroke occurred. Logistic regression models and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were employed to explore the associations between ultrasonic parameters and the incidence of recent and future ischemic strokes. Results: In patients with mild stenosis, both increasing age and grade 2 carotid IPN were significant predictors of recent primary ischemic stroke. Furthermore, grade 2 carotid IPN independently predicted future ischemic strokes in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Conclusion This study demonstrated that carotid IPN as detected by CEUS imaging holds potential as a useful non-invasive biomarker for predicting recent and future ischemic strokes in patients with mild carotid stenosis.

Purpose: There is still insufficient evidence for predicting stroke risk in patients with mild carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. This study aimed to explore the association between carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in mild stenosis and ischemic stroke, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 369 patients from July 2021 to March 2022. These patients were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on their recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Initial parameters of carotid plaques, such as IPN grading and contrast enhancement index, were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography and CEUS. The follow-up period lasted 12 months or until a newly-developed ischemic stroke occurred. Logistic regression models and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were employed to explore the associations between ultrasonic parameters and the incidence of recent and future ischemic strokes. Results: In patients with mild stenosis, both increasing age and grade 2 carotid IPN were significant predictors of recent primary ischemic stroke. Furthermore, grade 2 carotid IPN independently predicted future ischemic strokes in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Conclusion This study demonstrated that carotid IPN as detected by CEUS imaging holds potential as a useful non-invasive biomarker for predicting recent and future ischemic strokes in patients with mild carotid stenosis.

Purpose: There is still insufficient evidence for predicting stroke risk in patients with mild carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. This study aimed to explore the association between carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in mild stenosis and ischemic stroke, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 369 patients from July 2021 to March 2022. These patients were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on their recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Initial parameters of carotid plaques, such as IPN grading and contrast enhancement index, were assessed using B-mode ultrasonography and CEUS. The follow-up period lasted 12 months or until a newly-developed ischemic stroke occurred. Logistic regression models and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were employed to explore the associations between ultrasonic parameters and the incidence of recent and future ischemic strokes. Results: In patients with mild stenosis, both increasing age and grade 2 carotid IPN were significant predictors of recent primary ischemic stroke. Furthermore, grade 2 carotid IPN independently predicted future ischemic strokes in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Conclusion This study demonstrated that carotid IPN as detected by CEUS imaging holds potential as a useful non-invasive biomarker for predicting recent and future ischemic strokes in patients with mild carotid stenosis.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of thumb-tack needling therapy combined with Oxycodone Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Tablets in treating patients with severe cancer pain caused by malignant tumors.Methods A total of 60 patients diagnosed with severe cancer pain who were admitted to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Qingpu Branch,Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University between November 2023 and December 2024 were selected as study subjects.Patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table,with 30 cases in each group.The control group received conventional western medicine pain management,while the observation group received additional thumb-tack needling therapy based on the control group's treatment.The treatment duration was 2 weeks.After treatment,clinical efficacy was evaluated by observing changes in European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions(EQ-5D)scores,Numerical Rating Scale(NRS)scores,Cancer Pain Self-Efficacy Scale(CPSS)scores,and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire(EORTC QLQ-C30)scores in both groups before and after treatment.Changes in serum levels of prostaglandin E2,endothelin-1,β-endorphin,and substance P were also compared.Safety and adverse reactions were assessed.Results(1)The total analgesic effective rate was 76.67％(23/30)in the observation group and 46.67％(14/30)in the control group.The total effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,serum levels of prostaglandin E2,endothelin-1,β-endorphin,and substance P were significantly improved in both groups(P＜0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly greater than that in the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,EQ-5D scores,NRS scores,and CPSS scores were significantly improved in both groups(P＜0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly greater than that in the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,EORTC QLQ-C30 scores were significantly improved in both groups(P＜0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly greater than that in the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).(5)The incidence of adverse reactions was 53.33％(16/30)in the observation group and 83.33％(25/30)in the control group.The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).Conclusion Thumb-tack needling therapy combined with Oxycodone Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Tablets significantly alleviates pain symptoms,improves health status and self-efficacy,and enhances the quality of life in patients with severe cancer pain caused by malignant tumors.

Purpose: This cross-sectional cohort-comparison observational study investigated the value of high-frame-rate vector flow (V Flow) imaging for evaluating differences in carotid plaque shape and biomechanical parameters in patients with mild stenosis according to a recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Methods: The present study included 352 patients from February 2023 to October 2023, who were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on a history of recent ischemic stroke and ipsilateral ischemic lesions detected on head computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. A Mindray Resona R9 system was used for B-mode ultrasonography and V Flow imaging. The upstream and downstream surfaces of the plaques were examined at the carotid bifurcation for wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and turbulence index, which performed peri-plaque biomechanical condition. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine associations between plaque shape, V Flow parameters, and ischemic stroke. Results: Symptomatic patients exhibited higher WSS values for the upstream and downstream surfaces of carotid plaque, as well as higher OSI and turbulence index values for the downstream surface. Type Ⅲ plaques and higher WSS and OSI values for the downstream surface of the plaque were significantly associated with ischemic stroke. Type Ⅲ plaques were more prevalent in symptomatic patients and demonstrated much higher WSS and OSI values for the downstream plaque surface in both groups. Conclusion High-frame-rate V Flow imaging could assess peri-plaque biomechanical forces and may provide effective imaging biomarkers for early prediction of ischemic stroke in patients with mild stenosis.

Purpose: This cross-sectional cohort-comparison observational study investigated the value of high-frame-rate vector flow (V Flow) imaging for evaluating differences in carotid plaque shape and biomechanical parameters in patients with mild stenosis according to a recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Methods: The present study included 352 patients from February 2023 to October 2023, who were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on a history of recent ischemic stroke and ipsilateral ischemic lesions detected on head computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. A Mindray Resona R9 system was used for B-mode ultrasonography and V Flow imaging. The upstream and downstream surfaces of the plaques were examined at the carotid bifurcation for wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and turbulence index, which performed peri-plaque biomechanical condition. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine associations between plaque shape, V Flow parameters, and ischemic stroke. Results: Symptomatic patients exhibited higher WSS values for the upstream and downstream surfaces of carotid plaque, as well as higher OSI and turbulence index values for the downstream surface. Type Ⅲ plaques and higher WSS and OSI values for the downstream surface of the plaque were significantly associated with ischemic stroke. Type Ⅲ plaques were more prevalent in symptomatic patients and demonstrated much higher WSS and OSI values for the downstream plaque surface in both groups. Conclusion High-frame-rate V Flow imaging could assess peri-plaque biomechanical forces and may provide effective imaging biomarkers for early prediction of ischemic stroke in patients with mild stenosis.

Purpose: This cross-sectional cohort-comparison observational study investigated the value of high-frame-rate vector flow (V Flow) imaging for evaluating differences in carotid plaque shape and biomechanical parameters in patients with mild stenosis according to a recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Methods: The present study included 352 patients from February 2023 to October 2023, who were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on a history of recent ischemic stroke and ipsilateral ischemic lesions detected on head computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. A Mindray Resona R9 system was used for B-mode ultrasonography and V Flow imaging. The upstream and downstream surfaces of the plaques were examined at the carotid bifurcation for wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and turbulence index, which performed peri-plaque biomechanical condition. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine associations between plaque shape, V Flow parameters, and ischemic stroke. Results: Symptomatic patients exhibited higher WSS values for the upstream and downstream surfaces of carotid plaque, as well as higher OSI and turbulence index values for the downstream surface. Type Ⅲ plaques and higher WSS and OSI values for the downstream surface of the plaque were significantly associated with ischemic stroke. Type Ⅲ plaques were more prevalent in symptomatic patients and demonstrated much higher WSS and OSI values for the downstream plaque surface in both groups. Conclusion High-frame-rate V Flow imaging could assess peri-plaque biomechanical forces and may provide effective imaging biomarkers for early prediction of ischemic stroke in patients with mild stenosis.

Purpose: This cross-sectional cohort-comparison observational study investigated the value of high-frame-rate vector flow (V Flow) imaging for evaluating differences in carotid plaque shape and biomechanical parameters in patients with mild stenosis according to a recent history of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Methods: The present study included 352 patients from February 2023 to October 2023, who were categorized as symptomatic or asymptomatic based on a history of recent ischemic stroke and ipsilateral ischemic lesions detected on head computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. A Mindray Resona R9 system was used for B-mode ultrasonography and V Flow imaging. The upstream and downstream surfaces of the plaques were examined at the carotid bifurcation for wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and turbulence index, which performed peri-plaque biomechanical condition. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine associations between plaque shape, V Flow parameters, and ischemic stroke. Results: Symptomatic patients exhibited higher WSS values for the upstream and downstream surfaces of carotid plaque, as well as higher OSI and turbulence index values for the downstream surface. Type Ⅲ plaques and higher WSS and OSI values for the downstream surface of the plaque were significantly associated with ischemic stroke. Type Ⅲ plaques were more prevalent in symptomatic patients and demonstrated much higher WSS and OSI values for the downstream plaque surface in both groups. Conclusion High-frame-rate V Flow imaging could assess peri-plaque biomechanical forces and may provide effective imaging biomarkers for early prediction of ischemic stroke in patients with mild stenosis.