The aim of the study was to investigate age-related changes in electrogustometry (EGM) thresholds, in morphology and density of the fungiform papillae (fPap) and in vessels' shape and density at the tip of the human tongue.In 156 nonsmokers (74 males, 82 females; age range: 10-80 years), divided in age groups, EGM thresholds at the chorda tympani area, at the soft palate area, and at the area of the vallate papillae were recorded bilaterally. Morphology and density of the fPap and blood vessels' density and morphology at the tip of the tongue were examined using contact endoscopy (CE). EGM thresholds at the chorda tympani area were significantly higher in both men and women ←60 years of age than in younger individuals. At the soft-palatine area, EGM thresholds were significantly higher in men aged 20-29 years and ←60 years compared with men of other age groups. In women older than 50 years, thresholds at all 3 areas were significantly higher than in the younger age groups. No significant differences in EGM thresholds between the two sexes at all locations tested were detected. The density of fPap decreased significantly in men aged >50 years and in women aged >60 years compared with younger individuals. Vascular density decreased significantly and vascular morphology worsened at the tip of the tongue in subjects older than 60 years of age compared with younger subjects. The study showed statistically significant differences in EGM thresholds between the right and the left side of the tongue and between the two sexes. Aging is associated with a progressive increase in EGM thresholds. Density of fPap plays an important role for taste acuity in females aged >60 years and males aged ←50 years. Morphology of fPap and vessels' density and morphology at the tip of the tongue, as tested by CE, emerge as factors influencing taste function in subjects of both sexes aged >60 years.

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Background: Smoking is the cause of inducing changes in taste functionality under conditions of chronic exposure. The objective of this study was to evaluate taste sensitivity in young smokers and non-smokers and identify any differences in the shape, density and vascularisation of the fungiform papillae (fPap) of their tongue.

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A set of experiments for CO 2 separation from CO 2 -N 2 mixture by absorption into water by means of a gas-liquid membrane contacting process is modelled using the mass continuity equation by combining process conditions, membrane and fluids properties, and module geometric characteristics. The general case of non-constant concentration of the diffusing component in the shell side (Case B) is used, which entails an integro-differential boundary condition at the lumen-wall. The computational method is compared with existing literature data in terms of the logarithmic averaged overall and lumen Sherwood numbers revalidating the superiority of the counter-current to the co-current mode of operation, while offering a theoretical prediction of the limited behaviour of the latter as a function of the equilibrium coefficient. The elaborate model is then applied in order to assess the extent of membrane wetting due to liquid penetration into the pores in terms of the resistance-in-series model by comparing with the experimental results derived in a commercial cross-flow membrane module under the counter-current mode of operation. It is revealed that the assumption of shell-side constant concentration (Case A) underestimates the wetting leading to a false estimation of the extent of liquid penetration into membrane pores. For Case B, a wetting-pattern appears showing a correlation of an increasing shell-side liquid flow rate with a decreasing wetting parameter and, thus, relatively less contribution of the liquid-filled membrane resistance to the overall membrane resistance with increasing liquid loading.