WNT3A Promotes Neuronal Regeneration upon Traumatic Brain Injury

The treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a challenge due to limited knowledge about the mechanisms underlying neuronal regeneration. This current study compared the expression of WNT genes during regeneration of injured cortical neurons. Recombinant WNT3A showed positive effect in promoting neuronal regeneration via in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo TBI models. Intranasal administration of WNT3A protein to TBI mice increased the number of NeuN+ neurons without affecting GFAP+ glial cells, compared to control mice, as well as retained motor function based on functional behavior analysis. Our findings demonstrated that WNT3A, 8A, 9B, and 10A promote regeneration of injured cortical neurons. Among these WNTs, WNT3A showed the most promising regenerative potential in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro.

Maladaptive behavior in people with intellectual disabilities

The aim of the study is to provide better understanding of the prevalence and forms of maladaptive behavior, as well as of the factors associated with this behavior in people with intellectual disability, by reviewing the available literature. Maladaptive behavior is behavior that is common enough and/or severe enough to limit a person's ability to function properly in everyday life, learn new skills, and gain access to social resources. It covers a whole range of behaviors such as: physical aggression towards things or people, self-harm, stereotypical behavior, sexually inappropriate behavior, abusive behavior, etc. Studies highlight considerable variations in the prevalence of maladaptive behavior in individuals with IO ranging from 5.7% to 63.9%. The appearance of maladaptive behavior can be influenced by several factors, the most significant of which are the following: gender, age, severity of IO, additional impairments, residential environment, cognitive-emotional factors, communication dysfunction, etc. A common feature of all these behaviors is the negative effect on the quality of life of the person and the staff caring for them. In addition to psychotropic drugs and behavioral methods, various psychotherapy methods, cognitive and emotional training, creative therapeutic methods and functional behavior analysis are used in the treatment of maladaptive behavior. The condition is that they are tailored to the individual's developmental level and his or her way of communication.

Psychosocial Interventions for Individuals With Intellectual Disability

People with intellectual disabilities are prone to various challenges in relation to self-care, emotional regulation, and decision making. Sometimes due to their cognitive and adaptive skill limitations, they display challenging behavior that further impacts on their quality of life. This chapter presents the concept of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and a discussion on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in prevention and treatment of challenging behaviors of individuals with intellectual disability. Functional behavior analysis (FBA) and its stages are described with examples for the future practitioners. As ABA has a major contribution in the treatment of challenging behaviors in individuals with intellectual disability, research supported treatment strategies are presented. This chapter also explained strategies for improving the adaptive behaviors of individuals with intellectual disability.