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Background: This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of colonic transit test (CTT) in cases of constipation associated with functional defecation disorders (FDD) within the Chinese population. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted involving 202 patients diagnosed with functional constipation, who underwent CTT, high-resolution anorectal manometry, and balloon expulsion test. Participants were categorized based on the Rome IV criteria, comprising 103 patients with FDD and 99 without. The study examined the symptomatic characteristics of both groups and assessed the diagnostic utility of CTT in identifying constipation with FDD. Results: The predominant symptom reported among individuals with chronic functional constipation was excessive straining, observed in 69.3% of cases. The incidence of hard stool passage and feelings of incomplete evacuation were significantly greater in the FDD group compared to the non-FDD group (47.6% vs. 31.3%, p = 0.018 and 50.5% vs. 25.3%, p = 0.001, respectively). The presence of three or more rectosigmoid (RS) residual markers and a transit index of 40% or greater demonstrated moderate diagnostic value for FDD, characterized by low sensitivity(44.7% and 47.6%) but high specificity(76.8% and 75.8%). The RS residual markers were effective in differentiating between FDD and normal transit constipation, but not effectively distinguish between FDD and slow transit constipation. Conclusions: The presence of RS residue serves primarily as an exclusionary criterion for diagnosing FDD. In cases of slow transit constipation, but not normal transit constipation, it is imperative to conduct multiple kinetic assessments to accurately differentiate between FDD and other types of constipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Creativity is an essential cognitive ability that plays a crucial role in advanced thinking. While previous research has demonstrated the impact of insomnia on cognitive function, its effects on creativity in Chinese adolescents remain unclear. This study explored the relationship between insomnia (specifically, daytime and nighttime disturbances) and creativity in adolescents. Additionally, it examined the potential mediating effect of the need for cognition on this relationship. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 302 adolescents to measure their creativity, need for cognition, and insomnia levels using the Williams Creative Tendencies Scale, Need for Cognition Scale, and Bergen Insomnia Scale, respectively. Regression analysis was conducted to examine the direct impact of insomnia on creativity. Furthermore, a mediation model was constructed to investigate the role of the need for cognition in mediating the relationship between insomnia and creativity. Results: The findings of the present study indicated that insomnia had a direct impact on the creativity of adolescents, demonstrating a time-of-day effect. Daytime disturbances were found to have a positive correlation with overall creativity and imagination, whereas no significant direct effect was found between nighttime disturbances and creativity. Further analysis revealed that insomnia, specifically daytime disturbances, might influence creativity by affecting the individual's need for cognition. However, no similar indirect effects were observed for the relationship between nighttime disturbances and creativity. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that adolescents might experience improved creativity as a result of daytime disruptions, and the level of need for cognition could play a crucial role in understanding the link between insomnia and creativity in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]