Host and commensals crosstalk, mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), has triggered a growing scientific interest to understand the mechanisms governing such interaction. However, the majority of the scientific studies published do not evaluate the ROS production by commensals bacteria. In this context we recently showed that Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2, a strain of probiotic value, modulates the activity of the critical enzymes 2,3-indoleamine dioxygenase via H2O2 production. L. johnsonii N6.2 by decreasing IDO activity, is able to modify the tryptophan/kynurenine ratio in the host blood with further systemic consequences. Understanding the mechanisms of H2O2 production is critical to predict the probiotic value of these strains and to optimize bacterial biomass production in industrial processes. We performed a transcriptome analysis to identify genes differentially expressed in L. johnsonii N6.2 cells collected from cultures grown under different aeration conditions. Herein we described the biochemical characteristics of a heterodimeric FMN reductase (FRedA/B) whose in vitro activity is controlled by LjPAS protein with a typical Per-Arnst-Sim (PAS) sensor domain. Interestingly, LjPAS is fused to the FMN reductase domains in other lactobacillaceae. In L. johnsonii, LjPAS is encoded by an independent gene which expression is repressed under anaerobic conditions (>3 fold). Purified LjPAS was able to slow down the FRedA/B initial activity rate when the holoenzyme precursors (FredA, FredB, and FMN) were mixed in vitro. Altogether the results obtained suggest that LjPAS module regulates the H2O2 production helping the cells to minimize oxidative stress in response to environmental conditions.

This study examines parasocial relationships (PSRs), perceived credibility Infowars host Alex Jones, and viewing frequency. Through our sample of Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) users (N = 584), we explored which attributes of PSRs are related to perceived credibility of Alex Jones and viewing propensity. Variety in PSR imaginative sequences predicts perceived credibility, and valence predicts viewing. Demographics, particularly age, education, and help predict the influence of these particular attributes of PSR on viewing, while race (and education to some extent) influences how valence, variety, and specificity predict perceived credibility. This research highlights the value of parasocial research as scholars navigate our media landscape.

This study explored perceptions of Infowars host Alex Jones’ credibility, and functions of audience parasocial relationships (PSRs) using a sample of Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers (N = 584). Several PSR functions predicted perceived credibility of Alex Jones and viewing of Infowars. The conflict and self-understanding functions predicted perceived credibility while relationship maintenance, catharsis, and compensation predicted viewing Infowars. Demographic factors had no significant effect on perceived credibility, although education level was a negative predictor of viewing.

To support older adults’ preferences to age in place, home and community-based aging-related resources are available, but are often under-utilized. Many barriers prevent individuals from accessing aging-related resources, especially in rural and geographically isolated locations. Therefore, we set out to better understand the perspectives of community members who plan to age in place in rural areas. We administered a survey as part of a broader university-community partnership called Senior Access Points (SAP), which addresses aging-related resource access. Participants were N = 210 individuals living in rural regions across Northern Colorado, ranging from 37 to 94 years old (mean age = 68.91, SD = 8.85). We assessed hopes and worries about growing older at home, and awareness of available resources. Two independent coders applied a pre-determined coding scheme, then achieved consensus ratings. An overwhelming majority of participants affirmed the importance of being able to remain in their current home (94.8%) or community (95.3%) as they age. Top hopes for aging in place centered around health/medical; housing/home services; and independent rural lifestyle. The top worries were related to health/medical; housing/home services, and transportation. Resource awareness was low: 43.3% of all participants were not aware of any available resources. Overwhelmingly, rural residents hope to grow older at home, but may not know how to connect to resources that support this goal. The resource needs we identified are being used to inform community-driven approaches to improve both awareness and availability of community resources in these rural communities.