About this Study: This JAMA Patient Page describes nicotine patch use, the possible harms and side effects, accidental use, and dependence.

About the Study: Is combined inhibition of programmed cell death 1 protein (PD-1) and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) added to standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) safe and effective in (formerly HER2)-negative early-stage breast cancer at high risk of recurrence? This phase 2 randomized clinical trial including 78 participants with -negative breast cancer found that combining cemiplimab and fianlimab with paclitaxel-based NAC improved rates of pathologic complete response in all participants, including those with triple-negative and hormone receptor−positive subtypes. Patients positive for the ImPrint immune signature were highly sensitive to the combination, providing a potential biomarker of treatment response. These results indicate that combined PD-1 and LAG-3 inhibition warrants further investigation in -negative breast cancer.

About the Study: Liquid biopsy targeting viral ctDNA is a promising biomarker in the diagnostic and surveillance settings across head and neck cancer types. Ongoing clinical trials will help elucidate how ctDNA can be implemented to monitor treatment response, assess MRD, and frame treatment decisions to adapt treatment via a precision oncology approach.

About this Study: This cohort study evalutes trends in US Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation receipt and benefit amounts from 2010 to 2024 and their association with sociodemographic characteristics and disability type.

About the Study: To what extent do obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) experience clinical constraints associated with their state’s abortion laws, and are those constraints associated with moral distress? In a cross-sectional study surveying 864 OB-GYNs, those in abortion-restrictive states endorsed higher levels of 3 specific clinical constraints (counseling, care provision, and care for patients with potentially life-threatening pregnancy complications) compared with OB-GYNs in protective states. Greater levels of each clinical constraint were associated with higher moral distress scores in restrictive and protective states. These findings suggest that OB-GYN moral distress, associated with inability to provide certain forms of care to pregnant patients, transcends abortion policy context; institution-level policies and practices to support OB-GYNs are indicated nationally, not only in states with the most restrictive abortion laws.

About the Study: How do individuals traveling from states with abortion restrictions perceive options for remote medication abortion, and what factors affect their care decisions? This qualitative study’s 37 participants traveling to Kansas for in-person medication abortion care described mistrust of online medication sources, legal concerns, knowledge gaps about remote services, and a preference for in-person care. These findings suggest that misconceptions and concerns about the legitimacy and legality of remote medication abortion may limit uptake, despite broad awareness; health services and policy strategies should move beyond awareness campaigns to build trust, clarify the legal landscape, and improve understanding of safe, reliable, evidence-based options.

A pair of wearable stickers may transform diagnostic sweat testing for cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that causes problems with digestion and breathing. The innovative technology was found to be reliably accurate compared to standard sweat testing, according to the study published in npj Digital Medicine journal.

International guidelines developed with contributions from a Texas A&M University College of Nursing researcher confirm the importance of thoughtful intensive care unit (ICU) design and encourage the involvement of nurses in the process to improve workflow, safety and staff well-being.