Microstructural properties within the amygdala and affiliated white matter tracts across adolescence.

The amygdala is a heterogenous set of nuclei with widespread cortical connections that continues to develop postnatally with vital implications for emotional regulation. Using high-resolution anatomical and multi-shell diffusion MRI in conjunction with novel amygdala segmentation, cutting-edge tractography, and Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density (NODDI) methods, the goal of the current study was to characterize age associations with microstructural properties of amygdala subnuclei and amygdala-related white matter connections across adolescence (N = 61, 26 males; ages of 8-22 years). We found age-related increases in the Neurite Density Index (NDI) in the lateral nucleus (LA), dorsal and intermediate divisions of the basolateral nucleus (BLDI), and ventral division of the basolateral nucleus and paralaminar nucleus (BLVPL).

White Matter Microstructural Differences in Youth With Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

Context: Gray matter morphology in the prefrontal cortex and subcortical regions, including the hippocampus and amygdala, are affected in youth with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). It remains unclear if white matter connecting these aforementioned brain regions is compromised in youth with CAH.

Objective: To examine brain white matter microstructure in youth with CAH compared to controls.

Prefrontal Cortex and Amygdala Subregion Morphology Are Associated With Obesity and Dietary Self-control in Children and Adolescents.

A prefrontal control system that is less mature than the limbic reward system in adolescence is thought to impede self-regulatory abilities, which could contribute to poor dietary choices and obesity. We, therefore, aimed to examine whether structural morphology of the prefrontal cortex (PFC; involved in cognitive control) and the amygdala (a key brain region for reward-related processing) are associated with dietary decisions and obesity in children and adolescents. Seventy-one individuals between the ages of 8-22 years (17.

The Roles of Physical Activity, Exercise, and Fitness in Promoting Resilience During Adolescence: Effects on Mental Well-Being and Brain Development.

Adolescence is a critical yet vulnerable period for developing behaviors important for mental well-being. The existing literature suggests that physical activity (PA), exercise, and aerobic fitness promote well-being and reduce risk of mental health problems. In this review, we focus on PA, exercise, and fitness as modifiable resilience factors that may help promote self-regulation via strengthening of top-down control of bottom-up processes in the brain, thereby acting as a buffer against mental health problems during this period of vulnerability.

Brain Differences in the Prefrontal Cortex, Amygdala, and Hippocampus in Youth with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

Context: Classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency results in hormone imbalances present both prenatally and postnatally that may impact the developing brain.

Objective: To characterize gray matter morphology in the prefrontal cortex and subregion volumes of the amygdala and hippocampus in youth with CAH as compared to controls.

Design: A cross-sectional study of 27 CAH youth (16 female; 12.