β-Adrenoceptor Signaling Networks in Adipocytes for Recruiting Stored Fat and Energy Expenditure

The adipocyte is like a bank: a place to store excess (caloric) cash in times of plenty, and from which one can withdraw savings during “lean times.” The β-adrenoceptors (βAR) are the gateways to this mobilization of fat to be consumed in other tissues. This review discusses the βAR signaling pathway(s) in white and brown adipocytes. Studies in rodent models show that brown adipocytes nestled with white fat depots correlate with and are considered a key enabling factor in resistance to diet-induced obesity. Since it is now recognized that adult humans have brown adipocytes, knowing the steps in these signaling pathways may provide the opportunity to manipulate adipocytes to be net consumers of energy

Review of \u3cem\u3eThis Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate\u3c/em\u3e. Naomi Klein. Reviewed by Sheila D. Collins.

Naomi Klein, This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate. (2014). Simon & Schuster. $30 (hardcover), 576 pages

When art coaxed the soul of America back to life

With arts funding in the U.S. currently shaped largely by private donors and declining state and federal funding, Sheila D. Collins looks back to the New Deal’s federal arts projects. She writes that initiatives such as the Works Progress Administration Arts Project not only set the ground for the flowering of the graphic arts in the U.S., but also provided employment for thousands of authors, critics, musicians, photographers and artists who would become famous for their later works

What Kerry and Obama could learn from FDR on the environment

After successfully seeing the country through the Great Depression and the toughest years of World War II, Franklin D. Roosevelt is widely remembered to be one of the greatest president’s in U.S. history. In addition to these impressive accomplishments Sheila D. Collins argues that FDR was one of the country’s greatest environmental leaders, creating the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Soil Conservation Service, and the Tennessee Valley Authority within his first 100 days to combat the Dust Bowl, flooding, and other environmental disasters faced during his time in office. She writes that President Obama and John Kerry would do well to emulate Roosevelt as they turn their attention to global warming

An Analysis of Leading Congressional Health Care Bills, 2007-2008: Part I, Insurance Coverage

Compares coverage and cost estimates of bills to improve health coverage through private-public approaches, universal public insurance, tax changes, increased coverage for children and the disabled, expanded health savings accounts, and other strategies

Women at Risk: Why Many Women Are Forgoing Needed Health Care

Based on Commonwealth Fund 2007 Biennial Health Insurance Survey data, compares women's rates of uninsurance or underinsurance, sources of coverage, out-of-pocket and premium expenses, access to care, medical debt, and unmet needs, with those of men

Review of \u3cem\u3eTo Promote the General Welfare: The Case for Big Government.\u3c/em\u3e Steven Conn (Ed.). Reviewed by Sheila D. Collins

Book review of Steven Conn, (Ed.), To Promote the General Welfare: The Case for Big Government. Oxford University Press (2012). $19.95. (paperback)

Realizing Health Reform's Potential: Women and the Affordable Care Act of 2010

Outlines the 2010 healthcare reform provisions that will benefit women, including subsidized and improved coverage and bans on lifetime caps, rescissions, and rating on gender. Analyzes how each will address women's growing exposure to healthcare costs

The 2008 Presidential Candidates' Health Reform Proposals: Choices for America

Looks at key differences in the 2008 presidential candidates' health insurance reforms and evaluates them against the Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performance Health System's principles. Estimates each plan's impact on the number of uninsured

Maintaining Health Insurance During a Recession: Likely COBRA Eligibility

Assesses laid-off workers' eligibility and financial ability to extend employer-sponsored insurance through COBRA. Recommends extending COBRA and providing premium assistance, as well as expanding Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Programs