Simulation of phosphate leaching in catchments with phosphate-saturated soils in the Netherlands

The effects on phosphate leaching to surface waters of two scenarios for net phosphate input to sandy agricultural soils were estimated. WATBAL and ANIMO simulations for manure surplus areas in the Netherlands were used. The methodology and models were verified by comparing model results with measured values of the Schuitenbeek catchment. Simulated values of phosphate loads to surface waters and phosphate concentrations were underestimated by 10 and 30% respectively. Phosphate leaching to surface waters and phosphate concentrations hardly increase in the lower scenario with a net P2O5 input or `loss' of 10 kg per ha per year. With a P2O5 surplus of 40 kg per ha per year both leaching fluxes and concentrations increase

Protocol for the isolation and purification of human follicular dendritic cells for functional assays

In this protocol, we detail how to isolate and purify human follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) from lymphoid tissues. FDCs play a vital role in antibody development by presenting antigens to B cells in germinal centers. The assay involves enzymatic digestion and fluorescence-activated cell sorting and is successfully applied to various lymphoid tissues, including tonsils, lymph nodes, and tertiary lymphoid structures. Our robust technique enables the isolation of FDCs and facilitates downstream functional and descriptive assays. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Heesters et al

Critical loads and excess loads of cadmium, copper and lead for European forest soils

Recently, concern has arisen about the impact of the dispersion of heavy metals in Europe. Therefore, a study (ESQUAD) was initiated to assess critical loads and steady-state concentrations of cadmium, copper and lead for European forest soils. The calculation methods used strongly resemble those used to compute critical loads for acidifying compounds. Results show that the computed critical loads and associated excess loads for forest soils strongly depend on the threshold values chosen and on the soil phase (adsorbed/dissolved) considered. Further research is needed to improve input data and the modelling of heavy metal adsorption