ObjectiveChronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is usually diagnosed by gastroscopy and histopathological biopsy. These procedures remain the reference standard, but their invasive nature and resource requirements may limit their use in large-scale population screening and repeated follow-up. A convenient and reproducible method for noninvasive auxiliary screening may help identify individuals who require further endoscopic assessment. Fingertip photoplethysmography (PPG) provides a noninvasive recording of peripheral pulse waves and allows harmonic features to be extracted from the signal. In this study, the so-called meridian-related variables were defined as PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature, rather than as direct measurements of meridian physiology. This study aimed to compare these harmonic parameters between patients with CAG and non-CAG controls, identify parameters that remained different after age adjustment, and develop a multivariable model for noninvasive auxiliary screening and pre-endoscopic risk stratification of CAG. MethodsA total of 343 participants were included, comprising 171 patients with CAG and 172 non-CAG controls. CAG diagnosis was established using gastroscopy and histopathology as the reference standard. Fingertip PPG signals were collected using a PPG-based pulse acquisition device. Eight PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature were extracted for analysis. Between-group differences were first assessed using nonparametric tests. Age-adjusted analyses were then performed to reduce potential confounding by age. The false discovery rate (FDR) method was applied for multiple-comparison correction. A multivariable logistic regression model integrating age and multiple harmonic parameters was constructed. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Internal validation performance was assessed using stratified five-fold cross-validation and bootstrap optimism correction. Threshold performance was examined using both a high-specificity strategy and a Youden index-based cutoff. Decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the model’s net clinical benefit across a range of threshold probabilities. ResultsAll eight harmonic parameters were non-normally distributed. In the univariate analysis, the stomach-labelled harmonic parameter (ST), bladder-labelled harmonic parameter (BL), and liver-labelled harmonic parameter (LR) differed between the CAG and non-CAG groups. After age adjustment and FDR correction, only ST and BL remained statistically significant. Compared with non-CAG controls, patients with CAG showed higher ST values and lower BL values. This finding indicates an associated differential harmonic pattern that was not fully explained by age distribution. However, the discriminative ability of a single harmonic parameter was limited. The best-performing single indicator was ST, with an AUC of 0.652 (95% CI: 0.595-0.707). The multivariable model integrating age and multiple harmonic parameters achieved an AUC of 0.791 (95% CI: 0.743-0.835), representing an improvement of 0.139 over ST alone. In internal validation, stratified five-fold cross-validation yielded a mean AUC of 0.753 (95% CI: 0.715-0.781), and the bootstrap optimism-corrected AUC was 0.748. These results suggest that the model retained moderate discriminative performance after internal validation.At a specificity of at least 95%, the model achieved a sensitivity of only 40.4% (95% CI: 25.7%-49.7%). This high-specificity cutoff may be suboptimal as the preferred threshold for an initial screening setting because of the potential risk of missed CAG cases. The Youden index-based optimal cutoff was 0.419, corresponding to a sensitivity of 80.7% and a specificity of 62.8%. This threshold may better match the practical aim of noninvasive auxiliary screening, where sensitivity is usually prioritized to reduce missed cases. Decision curve analysis showed that, within a threshold probability range of 10%-55%, the model provided higher net clinical benefit than the reference strategies of recommending gastroscopy for all participants or for none. ConclusionPatients with CAG showed associated harmonic differences in fingertip PPG-derived features, mainly characterized by higher ST and lower BL values after age adjustment and FDR correction. Compared with a single harmonic parameter, the multivariable model showed better overall discrimination and retained moderate internal validation performance. These findings suggest that PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature may provide auxiliary information for noninvasive auxiliary screening and front-line triage before gastroscopic confirmation in CAG. The present results support further validation rather than immediate clinical implementation. External validation in independent, multicenter, and preferably prospective screening cohorts is needed to assess the model’s generalizability, screening performance, and potential clinical utility.

ObjectiveChronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is usually diagnosed by gastroscopy and histopathological biopsy. These procedures remain the reference standard, but their invasive nature and resource requirements may limit their use in large-scale population screening and repeated follow-up. A convenient and reproducible method for noninvasive auxiliary screening may help identify individuals who require further endoscopic assessment. Fingertip photoplethysmography (PPG) provides a noninvasive recording of peripheral pulse waves and allows harmonic features to be extracted from the signal. In this study, the so-called meridian-related variables were defined as PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature, rather than as direct measurements of meridian physiology. This study aimed to compare these harmonic parameters between patients with CAG and non-CAG controls, identify parameters that remained different after age adjustment, and develop a multivariable model for noninvasive auxiliary screening and pre-endoscopic risk stratification of CAG. MethodsA total of 343 participants were included, comprising 171 patients with CAG and 172 non-CAG controls. CAG diagnosis was established using gastroscopy and histopathology as the reference standard. Fingertip PPG signals were collected using a PPG-based pulse acquisition device. Eight PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature were extracted for analysis. Between-group differences were first assessed using nonparametric tests. Age-adjusted analyses were then performed to reduce potential confounding by age. The false discovery rate (FDR) method was applied for multiple-comparison correction. A multivariable logistic regression model integrating age and multiple harmonic parameters was constructed. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Internal validation performance was assessed using stratified five-fold cross-validation and bootstrap optimism correction. Threshold performance was examined using both a high-specificity strategy and a Youden index-based cutoff. Decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the model’s net clinical benefit across a range of threshold probabilities. ResultsAll eight harmonic parameters were non-normally distributed. In the univariate analysis, the stomach-labelled harmonic parameter (ST), bladder-labelled harmonic parameter (BL), and liver-labelled harmonic parameter (LR) differed between the CAG and non-CAG groups. After age adjustment and FDR correction, only ST and BL remained statistically significant. Compared with non-CAG controls, patients with CAG showed higher ST values and lower BL values. This finding indicates an associated differential harmonic pattern that was not fully explained by age distribution. However, the discriminative ability of a single harmonic parameter was limited. The best-performing single indicator was ST, with an AUC of 0.652 (95% CI: 0.595-0.707). The multivariable model integrating age and multiple harmonic parameters achieved an AUC of 0.791 (95% CI: 0.743-0.835), representing an improvement of 0.139 over ST alone. In internal validation, stratified five-fold cross-validation yielded a mean AUC of 0.753 (95% CI: 0.715-0.781), and the bootstrap optimism-corrected AUC was 0.748. These results suggest that the model retained moderate discriminative performance after internal validation.At a specificity of at least 95%, the model achieved a sensitivity of only 40.4% (95% CI: 25.7%-49.7%). This high-specificity cutoff may be suboptimal as the preferred threshold for an initial screening setting because of the potential risk of missed CAG cases. The Youden index-based optimal cutoff was 0.419, corresponding to a sensitivity of 80.7% and a specificity of 62.8%. This threshold may better match the practical aim of noninvasive auxiliary screening, where sensitivity is usually prioritized to reduce missed cases. Decision curve analysis showed that, within a threshold probability range of 10%-55%, the model provided higher net clinical benefit than the reference strategies of recommending gastroscopy for all participants or for none. ConclusionPatients with CAG showed associated harmonic differences in fingertip PPG-derived features, mainly characterized by higher ST and lower BL values after age adjustment and FDR correction. Compared with a single harmonic parameter, the multivariable model showed better overall discrimination and retained moderate internal validation performance. These findings suggest that PPG-derived harmonic parameters labelled according to meridian nomenclature may provide auxiliary information for noninvasive auxiliary screening and front-line triage before gastroscopic confirmation in CAG. The present results support further validation rather than immediate clinical implementation. External validation in independent, multicenter, and preferably prospective screening cohorts is needed to assess the model’s generalizability, screening performance, and potential clinical utility.

Compilation instruction for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Binghuang Fule Ointment elaborates on the formulation methods and evidence-based basis of the consensus. To address the problems of insufficient evidence on efficacy， vague indications， and a lack of uniform standard for Binghuang Fule Ointment in clinical application， 34 experts from 29 medical institutions across China participated in the compilation under the lead of the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine and Xiyuan Hospital， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences， as well as China-Japan Friendship Hospital. The compilation strictly adhered to the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development （GB/T 1.1—2020）， and the Guidance of Instructions for Compiling Expert Consensus on Clinical Practice of Chinese Patent Medicine. Through multidisciplinary collaboration， the compilation was completed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment， Development and Evaluations （GRADE） evidence grading system. The detailed workflow included various key links. In clinical question construction， 15 items were screened by the nominal group method. In evidence retrieval， Chinese and English databases， along with gray literature， were covered to obtain 116 clinical and 33 pharmaceutical studies. In safety assessment， drug monitoring data and clinical research results were integrated， clarifying local adverse skin reactions and contraindications. Ultimately， 8 recommendations were formed by the GRADE grid method， while 16 consensus suggestions were reached via the majority vote rule. The results showed that the Binghuang Fule Ointment was applicable to eczema， psoriasis， neurodermatitis， tinea pedis， and other diseases. The Consensus also elucidated the syndrome differentiation points， usage and dosage for different diseases （such as adjustment of course and application frequency）， as well as the indications of combination medication. Additionally， safety assessment suggested that the Ointment should be used with caution in individuals with skin ulceration or hypersensitivity. To ensure methodological rigor， the compilation process went through three rounds of internal and external expert reviews， while a comprehensive analysis was conducted by literature analysis， the Delphi method， and other methods. This compilation instruction provided methodological support for the clinical transformation of the Consensus through key links， including project initiation， international registration， informed consent， conflict-of-interest statements， evidence evaluation， and popularization. The Consensus will be continuously improved through a dynamic revision mechanism in the future.

Compilation instruction for Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Binghuang Fule Ointment elaborates on the formulation methods and evidence-based basis of the consensus. To address the problems of insufficient evidence on efficacy， vague indications， and a lack of uniform standard for Binghuang Fule Ointment in clinical application， 34 experts from 29 medical institutions across China participated in the compilation under the lead of the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine and Xiyuan Hospital， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences， as well as China-Japan Friendship Hospital. The compilation strictly adhered to the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development （GB/T 1.1—2020）， and the Guidance of Instructions for Compiling Expert Consensus on Clinical Practice of Chinese Patent Medicine. Through multidisciplinary collaboration， the compilation was completed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment， Development and Evaluations （GRADE） evidence grading system. The detailed workflow included various key links. In clinical question construction， 15 items were screened by the nominal group method. In evidence retrieval， Chinese and English databases， along with gray literature， were covered to obtain 116 clinical and 33 pharmaceutical studies. In safety assessment， drug monitoring data and clinical research results were integrated， clarifying local adverse skin reactions and contraindications. Ultimately， 8 recommendations were formed by the GRADE grid method， while 16 consensus suggestions were reached via the majority vote rule. The results showed that the Binghuang Fule Ointment was applicable to eczema， psoriasis， neurodermatitis， tinea pedis， and other diseases. The Consensus also elucidated the syndrome differentiation points， usage and dosage for different diseases （such as adjustment of course and application frequency）， as well as the indications of combination medication. Additionally， safety assessment suggested that the Ointment should be used with caution in individuals with skin ulceration or hypersensitivity. To ensure methodological rigor， the compilation process went through three rounds of internal and external expert reviews， while a comprehensive analysis was conducted by literature analysis， the Delphi method， and other methods. This compilation instruction provided methodological support for the clinical transformation of the Consensus through key links， including project initiation， international registration， informed consent， conflict-of-interest statements， evidence evaluation， and popularization. The Consensus will be continuously improved through a dynamic revision mechanism in the future.

SkinPro Ointment is an emulsion-based preparation derived from a traditional Tibetan medical empirical formula and developed using modern pharmaceutical technology. It is an exclusive patented product of Tibet Hairong Tangguo Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and has been listed as a National Protected Traditional Chinese Medicine Variety， the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China， and classified as a Category B product in the National Basic Medical Insurance Catalog. The ointment possesses the functions of clearing heat and drying dampness， activating blood circulation and dispelling wind， relieving itching and reducing inflammation. Clinically， it is used for skin pruritus caused by dampness-heat accumulation or blood-heat with wind-dryness， as well as pruritic skin diseases such as neurodermatitis， eczema， tinea pedis， and psoriasis. To clarify the standards for its clinical application and promote rational drug use， a consensus working group comprising 34 national experts in dermatology， evidence-based medicine， and pharmacy was established. Through expert interviews， the nominal group technique， and questionnaire surveys， 15 clinical issues were identified. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment， Development and Evaluation （GRADE） evidence grading system was employed to assess the quality of evidence， leading to the formulation of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of SkinPro Ointment. This consensus specifies that the intended users are physicians and pharmacists in medical institutions at all levels. It standardizes the clinical application of the ointment， including syndrome characteristics， dosage and course of treatment， combination therapy， precautions， and contraindications. Recommendations and consensus suggestions were formed addressing the 15 clinical issues， covering the following key areas： ①Indications and TCM syndromes： In TCM， the ointment mainly treats conditions such as "damp sores" （Shichuang）， "white scaling" （Baibi）， "collar sores" （Shelingchuang）， and "damp foot Qi" （Jiaoshiqi）， corresponding to eczema， psoriasis， neurodermatitis， and tinea pedis in Western medicine. The relevant TCM syndromes are identified as dampness-heat accumulation or blood-heat with wind-dryness. ②Usage and dosage： For external use， apply to the affected area 3 times daily. The dosage should follow the fingertip unit （FTU） principle. A treatment course of 1-2 weeks is recommended for mild to moderate cases； for serious cases， the course should be followed as prescribed by a physician. ③Combined therapy： The ointment can be used as monotherapy for mild cases. For moderate to severe cases， combination therapy is recommended， with reference to relevant clinical guidelines. ④Safety： Common adverse reactions include skin rashes， pruritus， and erythema. The ointment is contraindicated in patients with broken skin or obvious exudation at the affected area， as well as in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components. Contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes and oral mucosa should be avoided. Modern research shows that the ointment also has potential efficacy in other dermatological conditions， such as adult atopic dermatitis， tinea cruris， exfoliative keratolysis， acne vulgaris， and Malassezia folliculitis. This consensus provides a scientific basis for promoting the rational clinical use of SkinPro Ointment， improving its therapeutic efficacy， and reducing medication risks. Future updates will be dynamically revised according to emerging clinical issues and new evidence.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of paeoniflorin （PF） on neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in the rat model of Alzheimer's disease （AD） and to clarify whether its mechanism is associated with regulation of the Janus kinase 2 （JAK2）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） signaling pathway. MethodsGlycosides related to AD-associated neuroinflammation were screened through bibliometric analysis， and the potential targets of PF were predicted through network pharmacology and molecular docking. A rat model of AD was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose （100 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）. Rats were assigned into a control group， a model group， a PF （200 mg·kg^-1） group， and a donepezil （0.5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） group， and drugs were administered by gavage for 21 days. The learning and memory abilities were evaluated by the Morris water maze （MWM）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Nissl staining were performed to observe hippocampal neuronal morphology. The mRNA levels of inflammatory factors were determined by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and the protein levels of molecules in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group showed prolonged escape latency and decreased platform crossings and time spent in the target quadrant （P<0.05， P<0.01）， accompanied by increased expression of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， as well as elevated ratios of phosphorylated （p）-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the PF group and donepezil group exhibited shortened escape latency and increased platform crossings and time spent in the target quadrant （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α， upregulated mRNA levels of interleukin-4 （IL-4） and interleukin-10 （IL-10）， and reduced ratios of p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionPaeoniflorin can alleviate cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation in the rat model of AD by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

AIM To investigate the tumor-suppressive mechanism of Guiqi Yiyuan Extract combined with cisplatin in Lewis lung cancer mice.METHODS Ten intact C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the blank group.Sixty additional mice were developed into Lewis lung cancer models bearing transplanted tumor and subsequently allocated into the model group,the cisplatin group(5 mg/kg),the high-dose Guiqi Yiyuan Extract group(6.6 g/kg),and the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose Guiqi Yiyuan Extract combined with cisplatin group(1.6,3.3,6.6 g/kg+5 mg/kg),with 10 mice in each group.Mice in the blank and model groups received saline via daily gavage,while treatment groups were administered Guiqi Yiyuan Extract orally(once daily),and cisplatin injection intraperitoneally(once every other day).After 14 days of drug administration,mice were euthanized for endpoint analysis.The following assessments were conducted:general health status and body weight changes monitored throughout the study period;tumor excision and weighing for inhibition rate calculation;histopathological examination of tumors via hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining;serum quantification of IL-1 β,IL-18 and HMGB1 by ELISA;ultrastructural analysis of tumor cell death using transmission electron microscopy(TEM);spatial localization of TXNIP and GSDMD-N in tumor sections via immunofluorescence(IF);and Western blot detection of TXNIP,NLRP3,Caspase-1,cleaved Caspase-1,GSDMD,GSDMD-N protein expressions in tumor tissues.RESULTS Compared to the model group,the cisplatin group and all combination therapy groups exhibited significant reduction in tumor weight(P＜0.05)and increased tumor suppression rate;enhanced tumor tissue necrosis with characteristic pyroptotic morphology;elevated serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and HMGB1(P＜0.05);and upregulated expressions of pyroptosis-associated proteins TXNIP,NLRP3,Caspase-1,cleaved Caspase-1,GSDMD and GSDMD-N(P＜0.05).The high dose combination group demonstrated optimal therapeutic efficacy(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION Guiqi Yiyuan Extract enhances cisplatin sensitivity,demonstrating synergistic anti-tumor effects in Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing mice.This combinatorial therapeutic effect likely involves modulation of the TXNIP/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.

AIM To investigate the effects of Yiqi Juanbi Formula on chondrocyte pyroptosis in rat models of collagen-induced arthritis(CIA).METHODS Fifty rats were subcutaneously injected at the tail base with an emulsion containing equal volumes of bovine type Ⅱ collagen and incomplete Freund's adjuvant(IFA)to establish the CIA models.These rats were then randomly assigned to the model group,the methotrexate group(0.35 mg/kg),and the low-dose,medium-dose,and high-dose Yiqi Juanbi Formula groups(9.4,18.7,37.4 g/kg),in contrast to the ten intact rats serving in the normal control group.Following four weeks of intragastric administration,the rats had their general conditions observed;their joint swelling and arthritis indices measured;their ankle joint pathology assessed by HE staining;their serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ detected by ELISA;their mRNA expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ in ankle cartilage quantified by RT-qPCR;their protein expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in ankle cartilage analyzed by Western blot;and their NLRP3 and GSDMD positive expressions in ankle cartilage examined by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Compared to the control group,the model group showed significantly increased joint swelling and arthritis indices(P＜0.01);elevated serum levels of IL-1 β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P＜0.01);pathological changes including cartilage surface defects,reduced cell count,altered cellular morphology,irregular cell arrangement,and significant inflammatory cell infiltration in synovial tissue;upregulated mRNA expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P＜0.01)and increased protein expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3 and Caspase-1(P＜0.01)in ankle cartilage;enhanced positive expressions of NLRP3 and GSDMD in ankle cartilage(P＜0.01).Compared to the model group,the groups intervened with methotrexate or medium-or high-dose Yiqi Juanbi Formula exhibited reduced joint swelling and arthritis indices(P＜0.01);alleviated pathological damage in ankle joints;decreased serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P＜0.01);downregulated mRNA expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-ɑ(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and reduced protein expressions of NF-κB,NLRP3 and Caspase-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)in ankle cartilage;and diminished positive expressions of NLRP3 and GSDMD in ankle cartilage(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Yiqi Juanbi Formula alleviates inflammation in CIA rats,potentially by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway,thereby suppressing chondrocyte pyroptosis.

Arsenic is a semi-metal,and lipid-soluble arsenic compounds are one of the widespread forms in the environment and food chain,but there is a lack of standards for lipid-soluble arsenic compounds,which is one of the bottlenecks in the current analytical detection and toxicological studies of organic arsenic.In this study,four saturated arsenic-containing hydrocarbons,AsHC 318,AsHC 332,AsHC 346,and AsHC 374(The number is relative molecular mass),were successfully synthesized in three steps by using dimethylarsinic acid,potassium iodide,sodium hydroxide,and four brominated alkanes(1-Bromotetradecane,1-bromopentadecane,1-bromohexadecane,and 1-bromooctadecane)as raw materials.The structures of these four saturated arsenic-containing hydrocarbons were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance(1H NMR)spectroscopy,13C nuclear magnetic resonance(13C NMR)spectroscopy,and high-resolution mass spectrometry(HR-MS).The yields of the method were 8%-10%,and the synthesized compounds could be used in subsequent toxicity evaluation experiments to assess the toxic effects and mechanisms of action of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons.This study provided an effective method for synthesis of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons,enriching the synthesis methods of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons,and provided raw materials for the subsequent toxicological studies of arsenic-containing hydrocarbons.

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometer(TOF-SIMS)is a highly sensitive surface analysis instrument with high spatial resolution.Traditional TOF-SIMS instruments for sample targets use high field extraction methods.Although the ion collection efficiency is high,it is prone to issues such as low-energy ion beam defocusing,sample morphology sensitivity,and organic molecule ion dissociation.This study aimed to develope an efficient low-field ion extraction system suitable for TOF-SIMS with a continuous beam source.The SIMION simulation software was used to construct a model of the secondary ion optical extraction system.The key factors affecting the extraction efficiency were studied,and the structural parameters of the extraction cone were optimized.Using an indium target as the sample,an experimental test of the performance of the ion extraction system was carried out on the TOF-SIMS instrument.The influences of the voltages of the ion extraction cone and the single lens on the ion extraction efficiency were consistent with the simulation results.By adopting the technology of deflection and coaxial dynamic compensation,the imaging field of view of the ion extraction system was increased to 500 μm×500 μm.The energy window of the ion extraction system reached 10 eV,and the large imaging depth of field of 400 μm was achieved.In the test of a 5 mg/L cholesterol thin film sample,the signal-to-noise ratio of the characteristic peak[M-OH]+reached 4453.The results showed that this low-field secondary ion extraction system effectively improved the performance of the continuous beam TOF-SIMS instrument.