Utilizing sludge-based activated carbon for targeted leachate mitigation in wastewater treatment.

Activated carbon (AC) based adsorbents derived from waste sludge were utilized to remediate mixed contaminants in wastewater as an integrated waste-to-resource approach promoting a paradigm shift in management of refuse sludge and wastewater. This review specifically focuses on the remediation of constituents of landfill leachate by sludge-based activated carbon (SBAC). The adsorption effectiveness of SBAC for the exclusion of leachate characters including heavy metals, phenols, dyes, phosphates, and phosphorus were explored with regard to modifiers such as pH, temperature, properties of the adsorbent including functional groups, initial doses of absorbent and adsorbate, and duration of exposure to note the impact of each parameter on the efficiency of adsorption of the sludge adsorbent. Through the works of various researchers, it was noted that the properties of the adsorbent, pH and temperature impact the working of SBACs. The pH of the adsorbent by influencing the functional groups. Temperature was expected to have a paramount effect on the adsorption efficiency of the SBACs. The importance of the regeneration and recycling of the adsorbents as well as their leachability is highlighted. Sludge based activated carbon is recommended as a timely, resource-efficient, and sustainable approach for the remediation of wastewater.

Primary Effusion Lymphoma: Small Bowel Recurrence After Stem Cell Transplant.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare AIDS-associated non-Hodgkin lymphoma, growing in the serous body cavities as a lymphomatous effusion. The endoscopic features of PEL can mimic Kaposi sarcoma (KS). We present a case where PEL presented as small intestinal masses which had a similar macroscopic appearance to KS. Endoscopic evaluation was used with biopsies which confirmed the diagnosis of PEL. PEL is a differential of gastrointestinal KS. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for prognostication in these patients. Our case emphasizes that PEL presenting as intestinal tumors can mimic KS macroscopically. Although treatment for PEL and KS includes standard chemotherapy with concurrent antiretroviral therapy, early detection of PEL can improve overall survival in these patients.

High-dose Therapy and Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation as Consolidation Treatment for Primary Effusion Lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The limited disease-free survival after chemotherapy has resulted in a poor prognosis. The outcomes data for high-dose therapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) for PEL are limited owing to the rarity of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study included 9 patients with PEL from 2 major academic centers. Of these patients, 4 had received auto-HCT after high-dose therapy. Of the 9 patients, 8 (89%) had immunodeficiency (7 with human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity; 1, a solid organ transplant recipient) at the diagnosis. Human herpesvirus-8 by immunohistochemistry was positive in 8 patients. Anthracycline-based combination chemotherapy was used as first-line treatment in 7 patients; 4 underwent auto-HCT after attaining first complete remission. RESULTS: The median follow-up of the surviving patients was 25 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8%-29%). The 2-year progression-free and overall survival for the 8 patients who had received treatment was 58% (95% CI, 22%-95%) and 73% (95% CI, 41%-100%), respectively. The 2-year progression-free and overall survival for the patients who had received auto-HCT was 50% (95% CI, 1%-99%) and 75% (95% CI, 33%-100%), respectively. Of the 4 auto-HCT recipients, all had been in first complete remission at the time of autografting. The cumulative incidence of relapse was 50% (95% CI, 19%-100%). No deaths were attributable to auto-HCT at 2 years after autografting. CONCLUSION: Despite the small sample size, our data have shown that consolidative auto-HCT is safe and effective and should be considered for eligible patients with PEL after demonstration of an objective response to induction chemotherapy. However, the high relapse rate remains a concern and warrants the development of new strategies to mitigate post-transplantation relapse.