The environmental roots of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the epigenetic impacts of globalization

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing worldwide. We hypothesize that environmental factors (including social adversity, diet, lack of physical activity and pollution) can become "embedded" in the biology of humans. We also hypothesize that the "embedding" partly occurs because of epigenetic changes, i.e., durable changes in gene expression patterns. Our concern is that once such factors have a foundation in human biology, they can affect human health (including NCDs) over a long period of time and across generations. OBJECTIVES: To analyze how worldwide changes in movements of goods, persons and lifestyles (globalization) may affect the "epigenetic landscape" of populations and through this have an impact on NCDs. We provide examples of such changes and effects by discussing the potential epigenetic impact of socio-economic status, migration, and diet, as well as the impact of environmental factors influencing trends in age at puberty. DISCUSSION: The study of durable changes in epigenetic patterns has the potential to influence policy and practice; for example, by enabling stratification of populations into those who could particularly benefit from early interventions to prevent NCDs, or by demonstrating mechanisms through which environmental factors influence disease risk, thus providing compelling evidence for policy makers, companies and the civil society at large. The current debate on the '25 × 25 strategy', a goal of 25% reduction in relative mortality from NCDs by 2025, makes the proposed approach even more timely. CONCLUSIONS: Epigenetic modifications related to globalization may crucially contribute to explain current and future patterns of NCDs, and thus deserve attention from environmental researchers, public health experts, policy makers, and concerned citizens.

Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs; Culture Connects Iowa, FY13-FY15

Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs’ FY13-FY15 Annual Report. The department recently developed a new mission and vision to focus our efforts and ensure everything we do is in the best interest of Iowans. As we move forward, we will empower Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting Iowans to the people, places and points of pride that define our state. The department will accomplish this mission through the collective efforts of the various entities under our umbrella, including the Iowa Arts Council, State Historical Society of Iowa and Produce Iowa: State Office of Media Production. The impact of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs on our state can be measured through quality of life initiatives that are catalysts for attracting, recruiting and retaining jobs, companies, and talent to Iowa.

The Annals of Iowa, Spring/Summer 2006, Vol. 65, nos. 2-3

A quarterly journal of Iowa authors and their works produced by State Historical Society of Iowa. Special Commemorative Issue: Mormon Handcraft Trek

The Annals of Iowa, Winter 2006, Vol. 65, no. 1

A quarterly journal of Iowa authors and their works produced by State Historical Society of Iowa.

The Annals of Iowa, Fall 2006, Vol. 65, no. 4

A quarterly journal of Iowa authors and their works produced by State Historical Society of Iowa.

The Annals of Iowa, Winter 2007, Vol. 66, no. 1

A quarterly journal of Iowa authors and their works produced by State Historical Society of Iowa.

The Annals of Iowa, Spring 2007, Vol. 66, no. 2

A quarterly journal of Iowa authors and their works produced by State Historical Society of Iowa.

The Annals of Iowa, Summer/Fall 2007, Vol. 66, nos. 3&4

A quarterly journal of Iowa authors and their works produced by State Historical Society of Iowa.

The Annals of Iowa, Winter 2008, Vol. 67, no. 1

A quarterly journal of Iowa authors and their works produced by State Historical Society of Iowa.

The Annals of Iowa, Spring/Summer 2008, Vol. 67, nos. 2&3

A quarterly journal of Iowa authors and their works produced by State Historical Society of Iowa.

The Annals of Iowa, Fall 2008, Vol. 67, no. 4

A quarterly journal of Iowa authors and their works produced by State Historical Society of Iowa.

The Annals of Iowa, Winter 2009, Vol. 68, no. 1

A quarterly journal of Iowa authors and their works produced by State Historical Society of Iowa.

The Annals of Iowa, Spring 2009, Vol. 68, no. 2

A quarterly journal of Iowa authors and their works produced by State Historical Society of Iowa.

The Annals of Iowa, Summer 2009, Vol. 68, no. 3

A quarterly journal of Iowa authors and their works produced by State Historical Society of Iowa.

The Annals of Iowa, Fall 2009, Vol. 68, no. 4

A quarterly journal of Iowa authors and their works produced by State Historical Society of Iowa.