BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES An increasing number of patients are using the internet to supplement information provided by medical professionals. Online geriatric patient education materials (PEMs) should be written at or below a 6th grade reading level (GRL) that takes into account barriers unique to the geriatric population. The objectives of the study are to assess PEMs of geriatric associations' websites and determine whether they are above the GRL recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health. DESIGN Descriptive and correlational methodology. PEMs from 10 major geriatric associations were assessed for their GRL using 10 scales. Eight of the scales provide a numerical GRL while two of the scales provide a visual representation of the GRLs. Analysis was conducted using Readability Studio 2019.3. SETTING Analysis was conducted February 2020. PARTICIPANTS Identified 10 geriatric associations and 884 PEMs. MEASUREMENTS GRLs were measured by 10 validated readability indices: the Degrees of Reading Power and Grade Equivalent test, Flesch–Kincaid grade level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook test, Coleman‐Liau Index, Gunning Fog Index, New Fog Count, New Dale‐Chall readability formula, Ford, Caylor, Sticht scale, Raygor readability estimate graph, and Fry readability graph. RESULTS The mean of all PEMs using the numerical scales was 11.1 ± 2.4. Ninety‐nine percent of PEMs are above the 6th GRL. PEMs ranged from a grade 3.0 to 19.0 reading level. Analysis of variance demonstrated a significant difference between associations (P < .0001), and multiple comparison analysis identified the National Institute on Aging as the content easiest to read (9.5 ± 1.6). CONCLUSION PEMs from geriatric association websites are written above the recommended 6th GRL. As patients increasingly look toward online supplementary health information during COVID‐19, there is an opportunity for improving PEMs to enable greater comprehension by the target population.

The synthesis of Zein nanoparticles (NPs) using conventional methods, such as emulsion solvent diffusion and emulsion solvent evaporation, is often unreliable in replicating particle size and polydispersity between batch-to-batch syntheses. We have systematically examined the parameters for reproducibly synthesizing Zein NPs using a Y-junction microfluidics chip with staggered herringbone micromixers. Our results indicate that the total flow rate of the fluidics system, relative flow rate of the aqueous and organic phase, concentration of the base material and solvent, and properties of the solvent influence the polydispersity and size of the NPs. Trends such as increasing the total flow rate and relative flow rate lead to a decrease in Zein NP size, while increasing the ethanol and Zein concentration lead to an increase in Zein NP size. The solvent property that was found to impact the size of the Zein NPs formed the most was their hydropathy. Solvents that had a hydropathy index most similar to that of Zein formed the smallest Zein NPs. Synthesis consistency was confirmed within and between sample batches. Stabilizing agents, such as sodium caseinate, Tween 80, and Pluronic F-68, were incorporated using the microfluidics system, necessary for in vitro and in vivo use, into Zein-based NPs.

This review explores the use of energy sources, including ultrasound, magnetic fields, and external beam radiation, to trigger the delivery of drugs from liposomes in a tumor in a spatially-specific manner. Each section explores the mechanism(s) of drug release that can be achieved using liposomes in conjunction with the external trigger. Subsequently, the treatment’s formulation factors are discussed, highlighting the parameters of both the therapy and the medical device. Additionally, the pre-clinical and clinical trials of each triggered release method are explored. Lastly, the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the feasibility and future outlook of each triggered release method, are discussed.