Treatment of secondary CNS lymphoma using CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells.

BACKGROUND: Aggressive B cell lymphoma with secondary central nervous system (CNS) involvement (SCNSL) carries a dismal prognosis. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells (CAR-T) targeting CD19 have revolutionized the treatment for B cell lymphomas; however, only single cases with CNS manifestations successfully treated with CD19 CAR-T have been reported. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 4 patients with SCNSL into our study to assess clinical responses and monitor T cell immunity. RESULTS: Two of four SNCSL patients responded to the CD19-targeted CAR-T. Only one patient showed a substantial expansion of peripheral (PB) CAR-T cells with an almost 100-fold increase within the first week after CAR-T. The same patient also showed marked neurotoxicity and progression of the SNCSL despite continuous surface expression of CD19 on the lymphoma cells and an accumulation of CD4+ central memory-type CAR-T cells in the CNS. Our studies indicate that the local production of chemokine IP-10, possibly through its receptor CXCR3 expressed on our patient's CAR-T, could potentially have mediated the local accumulation of functionally suboptimal anti-tumor T cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate expansion and homing of CAR-T cells into the CNS in SNCSL patients. Local production of chemokines such as IP-10 may support CNS infiltration by CAR-T cells but also carry the potential of amplifying local toxicity. Future studies investigating numbers, phenotype, and function of CAR-T in the different body compartments of SNSCL patients receiving CAR-T will help to improve local delivery of "fit" and highly tumor-reactive CAR-T with low off-target reactivity into the CNS.

Contents of antenatal care services in Afghanistan: findings from the national health survey 2018.

BACKGROUND: Maternal and newborn mortality is a public health concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Afghanistan, where the evolving socio-political circumstances have added new complexities to healthcare service delivery. Birth outcomes for both pregnant women and their newborns are improved if women receive benefits of quality antenatal care (ANC). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the contents of ANC services and identify predictors of utilization of services by pregnant women during ANC visits to health facilities in Afghanistan. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we used data from the Afghanistan Health Survey 2018 (AHS2018). We included a total of 6,627 ever-married women, aged 14-49 years, who had given birth in the past 2 years or were pregnant at the time of survey and had consulted a health worker for ANC services in a health facility. The outcome was defined as 1-4 services and 5-8 services that a pregnant woman received during an ANC visit. The services were (i) taking a pregnant woman's blood pressure, (ii) weighing her, (iii) testing her blood, (iv) testing her urine, (v) providing advice on nutrition, (vi) advising about complicated pregnancy, (vii) advising about the availability of health services, and (viii) giving her at least one dose of Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine. The binary outcome (1-4 services versus 5-8 services) was used in a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of all 6,627 women, 31.4% (2,083) received 5-8 services during ANC visits. Only 1.3% (86) received all 8 services, with 98.7% (6,541) receiving between 1 and 7 services, and 71.6% (4,745) women had their blood pressure measured during ANC visits. The likelihood (adOR = Adjusted Odds Ratio) of receiving 5-8 services was higher in women who could read and write (adOR = 1.33: 1.15-1.54), in women whose husbands could read and write (adOR = 1.14: 1.00-1.28), in primipara women (adOR = 1.42: 1.02-1.98), in women who knew one danger sign (adOR = 5.38: 4.50-6.45), those who knew 2 danger signs (adOR = 8.51: 7.12-10.19) and those who knew ≥ 3 danger signs (adOR = 13.19: 10.67-16.29) of complicated pregnancy, and in women who had almost daily access to TV (adOR = 1.16: 1.01-1.33). However, the likelihood of receiving 5-8 services was lower in women who used private clinics (adOR = 0.64: 0.55-0.74) and who received services from nurses (adOR = 0.27 (0.08-0.88). CONCLUSION: Our findings have the potential to influence the design and implementation of ANC services of health interventions to improve the delivery of services to pregnant women during ANC visits.

Afghan medical students' perceptions, and experiences of their medical education and their professional intentions: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Numerous challenges have crippled the Afghan healthcare system on individual, organizational, and societal levels. The Afghans have acknowledged that an evidence-based perspective is paramount to enhancing medical training capacities across the country, which may, in turn, best ensure appointing highly competent authorities to address health system problems on such multiple levels. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed current Afghan senior medical students' perceptions, and experiences of their medical education and their future professional intentions. METHODS: We conducted this cross-sectional study at seven public and private Afghan medical institutes from March to April 2022. We invited 665 senior medical students through an anonymous survey using the Google survey online forms via social-media platforms, such as WhatsApp Messenger. Descriptive statistics were employed for the data analyses. RESULTS: The mean age (± SD) of the students was 23.7 (± 2.2) years and males constituted 79.9% (510) of the study sample. About 22.6% of them rated their medical training as excellent, and nearly a third of them (37%) said that it is good. Nearly half (48.7%) of the students would prefer to stay in Afghanistan. The leading motives for moving overseas were to obtain more advanced and quality education (69.9%), and a decent personal life (43.9%). Nearly two-thirds (67.4%) of them asserted that current political and armed conflicts in Afghanistan may have influenced their professional choices. CONCLUSION: This study epitomizes that the quality of medical education in Afghanistan has room for growth and development to meet the standards set on regional and global grounds.

The landscape of brain tumor mimics in neuro-oncology practice.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Differentiating neoplastic and non-neoplastic brain lesions is essential to make management recommendations and convey prognosis, but the distinction between brain tumors and their mimics in practice may prove challenging. The aim of this study is to provide the incidence of brain tumor mimics in the neuro-oncology setting and describe this patient subset. METHODS: Retrospective study of adult patients referred to the Division of Neuro-oncology for a presumed diagnosis of brain tumor from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2017, who later satisfied the diagnosis of a non-neoplastic entity based on neuroimaging, clinical course, and/or histopathology evaluation. We classified tumor mimic entities according to clinical, radiologic, and laboratory characteristics that correlated with the diagnosis. RESULTS: The incidence of brain tumor mimics was 3.4% (132/3897). The etiologies of the non-neoplastic entities were vascular (35%), inflammatory non-demyelinating (26%), demyelinating (15%), cysts (10%), infectious (9%), and miscellaneous (5%). In our study, 38% of patients underwent biopsy to determine diagnosis, but in 26%, the biopsy was inconclusive. DISCUSSION: Brain tumor mimics represent a small but important subset of the neuro-oncology referrals. Vascular, inflammatory, and demyelinating etiologies represent two-thirds of cases. Recognizing the clinical, radiologic and laboratory characteristics of such entities may improve resource utilization and prevent unnecessary as well as potentially harmful diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Oligodendroglioma confers higher risk of radiation necrosis.

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy (RT) remains a mainstay for the treatment of lower grade gliomas. Radiation neurotoxicity is a serious complication, carrying high morbidity in the absence of tumor progression. The incidence remains poorly categorized and known risk factors identified are related to the radiation modality. We hypothesized that patients with oligodendroglioma have a higher risk of radiation necrosis (RN) as compared to patients with astrocytoma. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of adults with lower grade diffuse gliomas over a 10-year span. The primary outcome was RN, either pathologically confirmed or clinically diagnosed. Cases without pathological confirmation must have been symptomatic, requiring administration of bevacizumab or high-dose steroids. Cox proportional hazard ratios were used for multivariate analyses. RESULTS: In 319 patients, we identified RN in 41 patients (12.9%): 28 patients (21.3%) with oligodendroglioma and 13 (6.9%) with astrocytoma (HR 3.42, p < 0.001). Patients with oligodendroglioma who received > 54 Gy had a higher incidence (31.2%) than those receiving ≤ 54 Gy (14.3%, HR 6.9, p = 0.002). There was no similar correlation among patients with astrocytoma. There was no difference in incidence based on use of concomitant temozolomide. Radiation necrosis appeared within 24 months from radiation in 80.5% of patients. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that patients with oligodendroglioma are at higher risk of developing RN. The incidence increases with increasing radiation dose in patients with oligodendroglioma but not with astrocytoma. RN usually appears within 24 months from RT. Patients with oligodendroglioma receiving > 54 Gy are at highest risk.

Multimodality Therapy of Patients with Refractory Meningiomas.

OPINION STATEMENT: Recurrent and refractory meningiomas are a clinical challenge and treatment at the time of recurrence is not well delineated. Treatment with surgery and/or radiation remain the mainstay, but each has their limitations and risks. The search for an adjuvant systemic therapy continues and as many of the initially promising approaches have not had reproducible responses. Bevacizumab has shown some efficacy in controlling recurrent disease and could be useful in disease that is multifocal or in close proximity to critical structures. Other targeted therapies, as well as immunotherapy, are being studied and trials are in development. Though we are hopeful that these novel therapies will benefit patients with refractory meningiomas, we approach them with some trepidation. This is due to prior failures of immunotherapy and targeted therapy in central nervous system disease. In addition, there is known difficulty in developing trials and assessing response with these slow-growing tumors.

Safety of Endovascular Intervention for Stroke on Therapeutic Anticoagulation: Multicenter Cohort Study and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is contraindicated in therapeutically anti-coagulated patients. Such patients may be considered for endovascular intervention. However, there are limited data on its safety. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective study of patients undergoing endovascular intervention for acute ischemic stroke while on therapeutic anticoagulation. We compared the observed rate of National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defined symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) with risk-adjusted historical control rates of sICH after IV tPA using weighted averages of the hemorrhage after thrombolysis (HAT) and Multicenter Stroke Survey (MSS) prediction scores. We also performed a metaanalysis of studies assessing risk of sICH with endovascular intervention in patients on anticoagulation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Of 94 cases, mean age was 73 years and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 19. Anticoagulation consisted of warfarin (n = 51), dabigatran (n = 6), rivaroxaban (n = 13), apixaban (n = 1), IV heparin (n = 19), low molecular weight heparin (n = 3), and combined warfarin and IV heparin (n = 3). sICH was seen in 7 patients (7%, 95% confidence interval 4-15), all on warfarin. Predicted sICH rates for the cohort based on HAT and MSS scoring were 12% and 7%, respectively. Meta-analysis of 6 studies showed no significant difference in sICH between patients undergoing endovascular intervention on anticoagulation and comparator groups. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular intervention in subjects on therapeutic anticoagulation appears reasonably safe, with a sICH rate similar to patients not on anticoagulation receiving IV tPA.

Anti-glycation and anti-oxidation properties of Capsicum frutescens and Curcuma longa fruits: possible role in prevention of diabetic complication.

The accumulation of advanced glycationend products (AGE's) in the body, due to the non-enzymatic glycation of proteins is associated with several pathological conditions like aging and diabetes mellitus. Hence a plant having anti-glycation and anti-oxidation potentials may serve as therapeutic agent for diabetic complications and aging. In this study the anti-glycation and anti-oxidation properties of crude methanolic extracts of fruits of Capsicum frutescens and Curcuma longa were investigated. Among the two C. frutescens had more anti-glycation ability with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) of 90ßg/mLas compared to 324ßg/mL MIC50 of C. longa. Curcuma longa had the more anti-oxidation potential i.e. 35.01, 30.83 and 28.08% at 0.5mg, 0.25mg and 0.125mg respectively.

Systematic review and pooled analysis of the impact of treatment-induced lymphopenia on survival of glioblastoma patients.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S): Treatment related lymphopenia is a known toxicity for glioblastoma (GBM) patients and several single-institution studies have linked lymphopenia with poor survival outcomes. We performed a systematic review and pooled analysis to evaluate the association between lymphopenia and overall survival (OS) for GBM patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT). MATERIALS/METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review of the MEDLINE database and abstracts from ASTRO, ASCO, and SNO annual meetings was conducted. A pooled analysis was performed using inverse variance-weighted random effects to generate a pooled estimate of the hazard ratio of association between lymphopenia and OS. RESULTS: Ten of 104 identified studies met inclusion criteria, representing 1,718 patients. The lymphopenia cutoff value varied (400-1100 cells/uL) and as well as the timing of its onset. Studies were grouped as time-point (i.e., lymphopenia at approximately 2-months post-RT) or time-range (any lymphopenia occurrence from treatment-start to approximately 2-months post-RT. The mean overall pooled incidence of lymphopenia for all studies was 31.8%, and 11.8% vs. 39.9% for time-point vs. time-range studies, respectively. Lymphopenia was associated with increased risk of death, with a pooled HR of 1.78 (95% CI 1.46-2.17, P < 0.00001) for the time-point studies, and a pooled HR of 1.38 (95% CI 1.24-1.55, P < 0.00001) for the time-point studies. There was no significant heterogeneity between studies. CONCLUSION: These results strengthen observations from previous individual single-institution studies and better defines the magnitude of the association between lymphopenia with OS in GBM patients, highlighting lymphopenia as a poor prognostic factor.

Screening of Bunium bulbocastanum for antibacterial, antifungal, phytotoxic and haemagglutination activities.

The current study was aimed at screening the Bunium bulbocastanum for its antibacterial, antifungal, phytotoxic and haemagglutination activities.The crude methanolic extract and n-hexane fraction showed significant (89%) and good activity (61%) against Staphylococcus aureus while the CHCl3fraction was moderately active against S.aureus (53%). Moderate activitywas shown by the EtOAc fraction against B. subtilis (44%). This fraction was inactive against P.aerogenosa and S.aureus. The aqueous fraction showed significant activity against B. subtilis (85%), moderate against S.aureus(34 %) and E. coli (33%)and low activity against P.aerogenosa(29%). Our results for antifungal assay indicated that all the test samples were inactive against all the test fungi. The phytotoxic activity of the plant at 1000 and 100 µg/ml was: crude methanolic extract (53.33 and 46.66%), n-hexane (46.66 and 26.66%), CHCl3 (20 and 6.66%), EtOAc (46.66 and 26.66%) and aqueous (40 and 33.33%). All the test samples (crude methanolic extract and fractions) of B. bulbocastanum were unable to agglutinate RBCs of the human blood indicating that this species lack phytolectins.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Taeniasis in Pakistan.

Taeniasis is a neglected zoonotic disease responsible for serious health disorders, such as seizures, and may even cause death. Humans are the definitive host for the three species Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), T. saginata (beef tapeworm), and T. asiatica, harboring the adult tapeworm in the small intestine. In this study, a structured questionnaire was circulated to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding taeniasis among the rural and urban communities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. A total of 770 individuals participated in the study. Of the total respondents, 44.4% had little knowledge about the disease and its impact, while the majority (70%) of respondents showed a willingness to participate in elimination campaigns by providing fecal samples. Most respondents kept raw meat separated from clean utensils (81.6%) and checked the internal temperature of meat when cooking it (75.1%). Regression analysis showed a significant association between age and knowledge, especially in the 20-30 years (p < 0.05; OR 0.574) and 30 to 40 years (p < 0.05; OR 0.553) age groups, and being a resident in Rawalpindi (p < 0.05; OR 0.68) and other cities (p < 0.05; OR 2.43), except Islamabad. Income ranges of 31,000-50,000 PKR (p < 0.05; OR: 0.574), 51,000-70,000 PKR (p < 0.05; OR 0.531), and above 70,000 PKR (p < 0.05; OR 0.42) were significantly related to attitude, compared with individuals with incomes of 10,000-30,000 PKR. Income above 70,000 PKR (p < 0.05; OR 0.87) and living in an urban area (p < 0.05; OR 0.616) compared to a rural area were significant with practices. A positive attitude was observed regarding awareness and prevention of the disease. Awareness campaigns and providing health education could be key approaches to manage this disease in the general population of developing countries.

Metal ferrites-based nanocomposites and nanohybrids for photocatalytic water treatment and electrocatalytic water splitting.

Photocatalytic degradation is one of the most promising technologies available for removing a variety of synthetic and organic pollutants from the environmental matrices because of its high catalytic activity, reduced energy consumption, and low total cost. Due to its acceptable bandgap, broad light-harvesting efficiency, significant renewability, and stability, Fe2O3 has emerged as a fascinating material for the degradation of organic contaminants as well as numerous dyes. This study thoroughly reviewed the efficiency of Fe2O3-based nanocomposite and nanomaterials for water remediation. Iron oxide structure and various synthetic methods are briefly discussed. Additionally, the electrocatalytic application of Fe2O3-based nanocomposites, including oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and overall water splitting efficiency, was also highlighted to illustrate the great promise of these composites. Finally, the ongoing issues and future prospects are directed to fully reveal the standards of Fe2O3-based catalysts. This review is intended to disseminate knowledge for further research on the possible applications of Fe2O3 as a photocatalyst and electrocatalyst.

High Prevalence of Uncontrolled Hypertension Among Afghan Hypertensive Patients: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Despite striking advances in the management of hypertension, blood pressure (BP) control remains suboptimal worldwide. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for 80% control rates by 2030, highlighting the urgency for improvements in hypertension control. Objective: We aimed to determine the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) and assess its associated factors in Afghan hypertensive patients. Methods: We conducted this multicenter cross-sectional study at three Afghan public hospitals in Afghanistan. We recruited hypertensive patients (n=950) on antihypertensive medications (AHMs) from August to December 2022. We analyzed only complete datasets (853). We employed the 14-item Hill-Bone compliance scale to assess compliance with AHMs. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Results: The mean age (±SD) of the patients was 47.5 (± 9.5) years and males constituted 50.5% (431) of the study sample. The prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension in this study was 77.3% (95% CI: 74.2-79.9%). Factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension and their adjusted OR (95% CI) were physical inactivity: 3.45 (1.87-6.35), current smoking: 3.04 (1.50-6.15), high salt intake: 3.57 (1.9-6.7), presence of comorbid medical disease: 2.22 (1.20-4.08), higher BMI: 3.32 (1.12-9.88), poor compliance to AHMs: 8.50 (4.62-15.6), and presence of depressive symptoms: 1.99 (1.2-3.27). Conclusion: The prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was high in the present study. Factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension may epitomize potential targets for public/individual health interventions in Afghanistan.

Predictors of non-adherence to antihypertensive medications: A cross-sectional study from a regional hospital in Afghanistan.

BACKGROUND: Non-adherence to antihypertensive medications (AHMs) is a widespread problem. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality reduction is possible via better adherence rates among hypertensive patients. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of non-adherence to AHMs and its predictors among hypertensive patients who attended Mirwais Regional Hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using random sampling method was conducted among hypertensive patients, aged ≥18 years in Mirwais Regional Hospital at a 6-month follow-up between October and December 2022. To assess non-adherence to AHMs, we employed the Hill-Bone Medication Adherence scale. A value below or equal to 80% of the total score was used to signify non-adherence. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of non-adherence to AHMs. RESULTS: We used data from 669 patients and found that 47.9% (95%CI: 44.1-51.8%) of them were non-adherent to AHMs. The majority (71.2%) of patients had poorly controlled blood pressure (BP). The likelihood of non-adherence to AHMs was significantly higher among patients from low monthly-income households [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.70 (95%CI: 1.13-2.55)], those with daily intake of multiple AHMs [AOR 2.02 (1.29-3.16)], presence of comorbid medical conditions [AOR 1.68 (1.05-2.67), lack of awareness of hypertension-related complications [AOR 2.40 (1.59-3.63)], and presence of depressive symptoms [AOR 1.65 (1.14-2.38)]. CONCLUSION: Non-adherence to AHMs was high. Non-adherence to AHMs is a potential risk factor for uncontrolled hypertension and subsequent cardiovascular complications. Policymakers and clinicians should implement evidence-based interventions to address factors undermining AHMs adherence in Afghanistan.

Screening of solanum surrattense for antibacterial, antifungal, phytotoxic and haemagglutination.

OBJECTIVE: Plants produce a variety of useful bioactive materials that have been used to cure different ailments of human beings. With the same idea in mind, the crude methanolic extract and various fractions of Solanum surrattense were screened for antibacterial, antifungal, phytotoxic and heamagglutination activities. METHODS: Standardized assays were followed for the determination of antibacterial, antifungal phytotoxic and heamagglutination activity. RESULTS: The results of the antibacterial showed that crude methanolic extract was significantly active against Staphylococcus aureus (86%) The n-hexane fraction showed good activity against Pseudomonas aerogenosa (66.6%) and Bacillus subtilus (66.6%). The crude methanolic extract and various fractions were inactive against all test fungi. The crude methanolic extract, n-hexane, CHCl3 and aqueous fractions showed moderate phytotoxic activities of 46.67%, 40.00%, 33.34% and 33.34% respectively at 1000 microg/mL. The crude methanolic extract and various fractions S. surrattense were unable to agglutinate RBCs of the human blood indicating that this species lack phytolectins. CONCLUSION: The test sample showed significant antibacterial activity, no antifungal and heamagglutination activity while moderate phytotoxic was observed against Lemna minor L.

Antiglycation and antioxidation properties of Juglans regia and Calendula officinalis: possible role in reducing diabetic complications and slowing down ageing.

OBJECTIVE: Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the body due to the non-enzymatic glycation of proteins and oxidation is associated with aging and diabetes mellitus. In this study we wanted to investigate the antiglycation and antioxidation potential of two medicinal plants: Juglans regia and Calendula officinalis. METHODS: In-vitro investigation was carried out to discover the antiglycation and antioxidation potential of J. regia and C. officinalis. Using an Ultraviolet Double-beam Spectrophotometer, we evaluated the antiglycation property of the crude methanolic extracts of J. regia and C. officinalis by assessing their ability to inhibit the Maillard reaction. Employing the same instrument we also measured the antioxidation potential of these plant extracts using the nitric oxide (NO) free radical-scavenging assay. RESULTS: J. regia had greater antiglycation ability, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) of 28 microg/mL as compared with that of C. officinalis (270 microg/mL). C. officinalis had greater antioxidation potential (26.10, 22.07 and 16.06% at 0.5 mg, 0.25 mg and 0.125 mg, respectively, as compared with 18.15, 16.50 and 16.06% of J. regia, respectively). CONCLUSION: J. regia and C. officinalis inhibited the Maillard reaction and prevented oxidation in-vitro. Hence, the extracts of these plants could have therapeutic uses in curbing chronic diabetic complications and slowing down aging.

Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Causing Hemorrhagic Encephalomyelitis and Spinal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report.

We are writing to present an interesting and novel case from our practice of a patient who presented with altered mental status and a rapidly progressive paraplegia as well as high fevers and pancytopenia. A bone marrow biopsy was diagnostic of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and MRI showed hemorrhagic encephalitis and spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage. This case demonstrates the diverse neurological symptoms with which HLH presents, including spinal cord pathology. The astute neurologist should consider this diagnosis in the appropriate clinical context and diagnosis may require imaging to the complete neuraxis.

Graphene-based nanocomposites and nanohybrids for the abatement of agro-industrial pollutants in aqueous environments.

Incessant release of a large spectrum of agro-industrial pollutants into environmental matrices remains a serious concern due to their potential health risks to humans and aquatic animals. Existing remediation techniques are unable to remove these pollutants, necessitating the development of novel treatment approaches. Due to its unique structure, physicochemical properties, and broad application potential, graphene has attracted a lot of attention as a new type of two-dimensional nanostructure. Given its chemical stability, large surface area, electron mobility, superior thermal conductivity, and two-dimensional structure, tremendous research has been conducted on graphene and its derived composites for environmental remediation and pollution mitigation. Various methods for graphene functionalization have facilitated the development of different graphene derivatives such as graphene oxide (GO), functional reduced graphene oxide (frGO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with novel attributes for multiple applications. This review provides a comprehensive read on the recent progress of multifunctional graphene-based nanocomposites and nanohybrids as a promising way of removing emerging contaminants from aqueous environments. First, a succinct overview of the fundamental structure, fabrication techniques, and features of graphene-based composites is presented. Following that, graphene and GO functionalization, i.e., covalent bonding, non-covalent, and elemental doping, are discussed. Finally, the environmental potentials of a plethora of graphene-based hybrid nanocomposites for the abatement of organic and inorganic contaminants are thoroughly covered.