Analyzing the students' mathematical creative thinking ability in terms of self-regulated learning: How do we find what we are looking for?

This study aims to analyze the mathematical creative thinking ability of grade VIII students at a State Junior High School in Riau, Indonesia, in terms of self-regulated learning. A qualitative design was employed, utilizing descriptive methods through a case study approach, and the participants included 28 students of grade VIII-C. To ensure data accuracy, a data triangulation technique was employed, which included a test for mathematical creative thinking skills, self-regulated learning questionnaires, introductory questionnaires, and interview guidelines. The validity of the data was measured using the Miles and Huberman technique, which involved data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that the mathematical creative thinking skills of students were relatively low. Furthermore, it was discovered that self-regulated learning was significantly correlated with creative thinking ability. Specifically, students who exhibited high levels of self-regulated learning demonstrated higher creative thinking abilities than their peers with moderate or low levels. Similarly, participants with moderate self-regulated learning displayed sufficient abilities, while those with low self-regulated learning exhibited poor creative thinking abilities.

The relationship of vascular endothelial growth factor and osteopontin expression with 3-year progression-free survival of locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer patients treated with platinum-based chemoradiation.

Introduction: The incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is high, with new cases accounting for 5.2% of all malignancies in Indonesia. Most cases are detected at an advanced stage, and recurrences are common. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and osteopontin (OPN) are important markers in tumorigenesis that serve as prognostic predictors. This study aims to determine the correlation of VEGF and OPN expression with 3-year progression-free survival (PFS). Material and methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 155 patients with locally advanced NPC. Data were obtained from medical records between 2015 and 2017. The locally advanced sample of this disease that met the inclusion criteria was stained with H&E before being prepared in a paraffin block. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry staining results for VEGF and OPN were observed with ImageJ 1.50i and calculated semi-quantitatively using the histoscore. Results: The 3-year PFS obtained was 39%, with a median of 23 months. Vascular endothelial growth factor expression was detected in 113 of 155 samples (72.9%), while positive OPN expression was discovered in 99 of 155 samples (63.8%). There was a correlation between VEGF (p = 0.747) and OPN expression (p = 0.584) and 3-year PFS. Positive VEGF and OPN expression in the subgroup of patients with stage IVB and N3 tumors was related to improved 3-year PFS (p < 0.05). This was similar to the positive VEGF expression in the subgroup of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Vascular endothelial growth factor and OPN remained potential prognostic predictors in NPC. Patients with positive VEGF and OPN expression in N3, IVB, and neoadjuvant treatment had significantly improved 3-year PFS.