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The second Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS) - a nationwide, cross-sectional, epidemiological survey - was initiated in 2016 with the intent of tracking the state of mental health of the general population in Singapore. The study employed the same methodology as the first survey initiated in 2010. The SMHS 2016 aimed to (i) establish the 12-month and lifetime prevalence and correlates of major depressive disorder (MDD), dysthymia, bipolar disorder, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) (which included alcohol abuse and dependence) and (ii) compare the prevalence of these disorders with reference to data from the SMHS 2010. Door-to-door household surveys were conducted with adult Singapore residents aged 18 years and above from 2016 to 2018 (n = 6126) which yielded a response rate of 69.0%. The subjects were randomly selected using a disproportionate stratified sampling method and assessed using World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 (WHO-CIDI 3.0). The diagnoses of lifetime and 12-month selected mental disorders including MDD, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, GAD, OCD, and AUD (alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence), were based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria. The lifetime prevalence of at least one mood, anxiety or alcohol use disorder was 13.9% in the adult population. MDD had the highest lifetime prevalence (6.3%) followed by alcohol abuse (4.1%). The 12-month prevalence of any DSM-IV mental disorders was 6.5%. OCD had the highest 12-month prevalence (2.9%) followed by MDD (2.3%). Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of mental disorders assessed in SMHS 2016 (13.8% and 6.4%) was significantly higher than that in SMHS 2010 (12.0% and 4.4%). A significant increase was observed in the prevalence of lifetime GAD (0.9% to 1.6%) and alcohol abuse (3.1% to 4.1%). The 12-month prevalence of GAD (0.8% vs. 0.4%) and OCD (2.9% vs. 1.1%) was significantly higher in SMHS 2016 as compared to SMHS 2010. The high prevalence of OCD and the increase across the two surveys needs to be tackled at a population level both in terms of creating awareness of the disorder and the need for early treatment. Youth emerge as a vulnerable group who are more likely to be associated with mental disorders and thus targeted interventions in this group with a focus on youth friendly and accessible care centres may lead to earlier detection and treatment of mental disorders.

Biochars (BC) of spent coffee grounds, both pristine (SCBC) and impregnated with titanium oxide (TiO2@SCBC) were exploited as environmentally friendly and economical sorbents for the fluroquinolone antibiotic balofloxacin (BALX). Surface morphology, functional moieties, and thermal stabilities of both adsorbents were scrutinized using SEM, EDS, TEM, BET, FTIR, Raman, and TG/dT analyses. BET analysis indicated that the impregnation with TiO2 has increased the surface area (50.54 m2/g) and decreased the pore size and volume. Batch adsorption experiments were completed in lights of the experimental set-up of Plackett-Burman design (PBD). Two responses were maximized; the % removal (%R) and the adsorption capacity (qe, mg/g) as a function of four variables: pH, adsorbent dosage (AD), BALX concentration ([BALX]), and contact time (CT). %R of 68.34% and 91.78% were accomplished using the pristine and TiO2@SCBC, respectively. Equilibrium isotherms indicated that Freundlich model was of a perfect fit for adsorption of BALX onto both adsorbents. Maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 142.55 mg/g for SCBC and 196.73 mg/g for the TiO2@SCBC. Kinetics of the adsorption process were best demonstrated using the pseudo-second order (PSO) model. The adsorption-desorption studies showed that both adsorbents could be restored with the adsorption efficiency being conserved up to 66.32% after the fifth cycles.

Adsorptive removal of rose bengal (RB) from contaminated water samples was approached using pineapple leaves (PAL). Three adsorbents were utilized for that purpose; raw pineapple leaves (RPAL) and the thermally activated bio-waste leaves at 250 and 500 °C. Two measures were executed to evaluate the functionality of exploited biomasses; percentage removal (%R) and adsorption capacity (qe). Face-centered central composite design (FCCCD) was conducted to experiment the influence of variables on the %R. Dose of PAL as adsorbent (AD), concentration of RB (DC), pH and contact time (CT), were the inspected factors. Existence of functional groups and formation of activated carbon was instigated employing Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopies. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses were used to explore surface features. Thermal behavior of adsorbents was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The surface area and other surface structural properties were established using the Brunauer Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. An amount of 92.53% of RB could be removed with an adsorption capacity of 58.8 mg/g using a combination of pH 5.00 ± 0.20, RPAL dose of 0.05 mg/50 mL, and 10-ppm RB for 180 min. Equilibrium studies divulge a favorable adsorption that follows the Freundlich isotherm. Pseudo-second-order model explains the observed adsorption kinetics.

This research aims to remove two phenothiazines, promazine (PRO) and promethazine (PMT), from their individual and binary mixtures using olive tree pruning biochar (BC-OTPR). The impact of individual and combinatory effects of operational variables was evaluated for the first time using central composite design (CCD). Simultaneous removal of both drugs was maximized utilizing the composite desirability function. At low concentrations, the uptake of PRO and PMT from their individual solutions was achieved with high efficiency of 98.64%, 47.20 mg/g and 95.87%, 38.16 mg/g, respectively. No major differences in the removal capacity were observed for the binary mixtures. Characterization of BC-OTPR confirmed successful adsorption and showed that the OTPR surface was predominantly mesoporous. Equilibrium investigations revealed that the Langmuir isotherm model best describes the sorption of PRO/PMT from their individual solutions with maximum adsorption capacities of 640.7 and 346.95 mg/g, respectively. The sorption of PRO/PMT conforms to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Regeneration of the adsorbent surface was successfully done with desorption efficiencies of 94.06% and 98.54% for PRO and PMT, respectively, for six cycles. Graphical abstract

Adsorptive removal of methylene blue (MB) from contaminated water samples was achieved using green tea waste (GTW). Adsorption of MB onto raw (RGTW) and thermally treated waste (TTGTW250–TTGTW500) was explored. The performance of the tested adsorbents was assessed in terms of percentage removal of MB (%R) and adsorption capacity (qe, mg/g). A full factorial design (FFD) was employed to optimize the adsorption of MB onto both RGTW and TTGTW500. Four factors were studied: pH, adsorbent dose (AD), dye concentration (DC), and contact time (CT). Value for %R of 96.58% and 98.07% were obtained using RGTW and TTGTW500, respectively. FT-IR and Raman analyses were used to study the surfaces of the prepared adsorbents, and the IR spectrum showed the existence of a variety of functionalities on the surfaces of both the RGTW and thermally treated samples. BET analysis showed the presence of mesopores and macropores in the case of RGTW and micropores in the case of thermally processed adsorbents. Equilibrium studies indicated that the Freundlich isotherm best described the adsorption of MB onto both adsorbents. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) was found to be 68.28 and 69.01 mg/g for RGTW and TTGTW500, respectively, implying the superior capacity of TTGTW500 in removing MB. Adsorption of MB was found to proceed via chemisorption (RGTW) and physisorption (TTGTW500), as indicated by the Dubinin–Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm. A pseudo-second order (PSO) model best demonstrated the kinetics of the MB adsorption onto both adsorbents.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly recognized as a condition influenced by gut microbiota composition and associated metabolic pathways. This study investigated the differences in gut microbial diversity, composition, and metabolomic profiles between diabetic and control individuals. Using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomic analyses, we observed significantly higher microbial diversity and evenness in the diabetic group, with distinct clustering patterns as revealed by Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA). Taxonomic profiling demonstrated an increased relative abundance of Bacteroidaceae and Lachnospiraceae in the diabetic group, while Streptococcaceae was more prevalent in the control group. LEfSe analysis identified key microbial taxa such as Bacteroides , Blautia , and Lachnospiraceae_FCS020_group enriched in diabetic individuals, suggesting a role in metabolic dysregulation. Metabolomic pathway enrichment analysis revealed significant differences in pathways related to fatty acid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, bile acid metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis in diabetic individuals. Enriching fatty acid elongation and β-oxidation pathways, alongside disrupted glucose metabolism, indicate profound metabolic changes associated with diabetes. Bile acid metabolism and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) pathways were also elevated, linking these metabolites to the observed gut microbiota shifts. These findings suggest that diabetes is associated with significant alterations in the gut microbiome’s composition and function, leading to disruptions in critical metabolic pathways. This study provides insights into potential microbial biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving metabolic health in diabetic patients.

Pistachio nutshells-derived biochar (PNS-BC) was utilized as a cost-effective adsorbent for competently removing a model dye, methyl orange (MO) from wastewater. Three concentrations of TiO 2 ; 1%, 2%, and 3% were used to decorate the biochar. Analysis of morphology, stability, and structure of the three adsorbents (PNS, PNS-BC, and the TiO 2 functionalized biochar; TiO 2 @PNS-BC) was extensively explored using various characterization techniques. The synergistic photocatalytic-adsorptive efficiency of the three adsorbents was compared. In this regard, a Box-Behnken (BB) design-based multivariate scheme was inaugurated with the target of maximizing MO removal (%R) while using the minimum possible of chemicals and resources. The impact of five variables; %TiO 2 , dose of TiO 2 -PNS, reaction time, dye concentration, and pH on the magnitude of %R was investigated. Results show that 97.69% removal of MO could be recognized over 120 min using adsorption compared to 99.47% removal over 30 min using 3% TiO 2 @PNS-BC as a photocatalyst. A 3% TiO 2 @PNS-BC was the best catalyst (compared to 1% and 2%) with a decolorization rate constant of 0.12741 min −1 , ~ 1.5 × faster compared to the decolorization of MO using adsorption alone. Adsorption of MO conformed well to Langmuir isotherm. A maximum adsorption capacity ( q max ) of 142.38 mg/g was achieved. Adsorption kinetics fitted well with the pseudo-second order (PSO) model. Results obtained indicated that biochar of PNS is a promising, cost-effective, and economical adsorbent.

IntroductionStigma towards mental disorders has been shown to be a major obstacle to recovery and quality of life among people with psychiatric disorders. Despite significant advances in the treatment of mental disorders, stigma remains concerning to patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Singapore is a city state in South-East Asia with a multi-ethnic population. A nation-wide campaign launched in 2018, Beyond the Label, focusing on addressing stigma and promoting social inclusion for persons with mental health conditions.ObjectivesThe aims of the current study were to (i) establish the dimensions of stigma and examine its correlates in the general population of Singapore using a vignette approach, and (ii) examine whether there was any change in stigma levels from 2016 to 2023.MethodsData for the current study comes from an ongoing nation-wide, cross-sectional study of mental health literacy conducted in Singapore since September 2022. The study population comprises Singapore Residents aged 18–65 years who are currently living in Singapore. Respondents were randomly assigned and presented a vignette describing one of seven specific disorders: alcohol abuse, dementia, depression, depression with suicidality, gambling disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. Stigma was assessed using Personal and Perceived scales of the Depression Stigma Scale (DSS) (Griffiths et al. Br J Psychiatry; 2004 185 342-349), and the Social Distance scale (SDS) (Link et al. Am J Public Health 1999; 89 1328–1333).Results2500 respondents who completed the survey were included in the current analysis. The mean age of the respondents was 42.8 years. A three-factor model comprising ‘weak-not-sick’, ‘dangerous/undesirable’, and ‘social distance’ provided acceptable fit. Multivariable linear regression analyses revealed that younger age, female gender, students, and dementia vignette were significantly associated with lower weak-not-sick scores while Malay and Indian ethnicity, lower education, and alcohol abuse and gambling disorder vignette were significantly associated with higher weak-not-sick scores. Those of Malay and Indian ethnicities and those with a family member or close friend who had problems similar to the person in the vignette were significantly associated with lower social distance scores.A significant decrease (p<0.001) in all three factor scores was observed from 2016 to 2023 (Table 1).Table 1.Mean stigma scores over time20162023FactorsMean (SD)Mean (SD)Weak-not-sick10.2 (2.1)9.5 (2.3)Dangerous/undesirable11.6 (2.8)11.2 (2.7)Social distance12.0 (3.1)11.6 (3.0)ConclusionsOur study found a significant decrease in stigma from 2016 to 2023 in the Singapore population which indicates the positive impact of anti-stigma initiatives in Singapore. Interventions must be co-developed with males, older adults, and those with a lower education to further reduce stigma in this multi-ethnic population.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Olive stone biochars (OSBC), both pristine and following magnetization (MAG–OSBC), were utilized as eco-friendly and cost-effective sorbents for the antituberculosis, clofazimine (CLOF). Morphologies, textures, surface functionalities, and thermal stabilities of both adsorbents were explored using SEM, EDX, TEM, BET, FT-IR, Raman, XRD and TGA analyses. SEM analysis showed meso- and macroporous surfaces. BET data showed that the MAG–OSBC possesses a larger surface area (33.82 m2/g) and pore volume. Batch adsorption studies were conducted following the experimental scenario of Box–Behnken (BB) design. The adsorption efficiency of both adsorbents was evaluated in terms of the % removal (%R) and the sorption capacity (qe, mg/g). Dependent variables (%R and qe) were maximized as a function of four factors: pH, sorbent dose (AD), the concentration of CLOF ([CLOF]), and contact time (CT). A %R of 98.10% and 98.61% could be obtained using OSBC and MAG–OSBC, respectively. Equilibrium studies indicated that both Langmuir and Freundlich models were perfectly fit for adsorption of CLOF. Maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 174.03 mg/g was obtained using MAG–OSBC. Adsorption kinetics could be best illustrated using the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model. The adsorption–desorption studies showed that both adsorbents could be restored with the adsorption efficiency being conserved up to 92% after the sixth cycles.

The current study aimed to: (i) describe the extent of overall stigma as well as the differences in stigma towards people with alcohol abuse, dementia, depression, schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as (ii) establish the dimensions of stigma and examine its correlates, in the general population of Singapore, using a vignette approach. Data for the current study came from a larger nation-wide cross-sectional study of mental health literacy conducted in Singapore. The study population comprised Singapore Residents (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) aged 18-65 years who were living in Singapore at the time of the survey. All respondents were administered the Personal and Perceived scales of the Depression Stigma scale and the Social Distance scale to measure personal stigma and social distance, respectively. Weighted mean and standard error of the mean were calculated for continuous variables, and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. Exploratory structural equation modelling and confirmatory factor analysis were used to establish the dimensions of stigma. Multivariable linear regressions were conducted to examine factors associated with each of the stigma scale scores. The mean age of the respondents was 40.9 years and gender was equally represented (50.9% were males). The findings from the factor analysis revealed that personal stigma formed two distinct dimensions comprising 'weak-not-sick' and 'dangerous/unpredictable' while social distance stigma items loaded strongly into a single factor. Those of Malay and Indian ethnicity, lower education, lower income status and those who were administered the depression and alcohol abuse vignette were significantly associated with higher weak-not-sick scores. Those of Indian ethnicity, 6 years of education and below, lower income status and those who were administered the alcohol abuse vignette were significantly associated with higher dangerous/unpredictable scores. Those administered the alcohol abuse vignette were associated with higher social distance scores. This population-wide study found significant stigma towards people with mental illness and identified specific groups who have more stigmatising attitudes. The study also found that having a friend or family member with similar problems was associated with having lower personal as well as social distance stigma. There is a need for well-planned and culturally relevant anti-stigma campaigns in this population that take into consideration the findings of this study.