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ObjectiveTo analyze the impact of nutritional counseling on the development of hypothyroidism after (chemo)radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients to propose a new normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model.Materials and methodsAt baseline, at the end of (chemo)radiotherapy, and during follow-up, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with free thyroxin (fT3 and fT4), nutritional status, and nutrient intake were prospectively analyzed in 46 out of 220 screened patients. Patients received (chemo)radiotherapy within an intervention (individual nutritional counseling every 2 weeks during therapy) and a control group (no nutritional counseling).ResultsOverall median follow-up was 16.5 [IQR: 12; 22] months. Fourteen patients (30.4%) presented with hypothyroidism after 13.5 [8.8; 17] months. During (chemo)radiotherapy, nutritional status worsened in the entire cohort: body mass index (p < 0.001) and fat-free mass index (p < 0.001) decreased, calorie deficit (p = 0.02) increased, and the baseline protein intake dropped (p = 0.028). The baseline selenium intake (p = 0.002) increased until the end of therapy. Application of the NTCP models by Rønjom, Cella, and Boomsma et al. resulted in good performance of all three models, with an AUC ranging from 0.76 to 0.78. Our newly developed NTCP model was based on baseline TSH and baseline ferritin. Model performance was good, receiving an AUC of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.61–0.87), with a sensitivity of 57.1% and specificity of 96.9% calculated for a Youden index of 0.73 (p = 0.004; area = 0.5).ConclusionBaseline TSH and ferritin act as independent predictors for radiotherapy-associated hypothyroidism. The exclusion of such laboratory chemistry parameters in future NTCP models may result in poor model performance.

Quantum entanglement is a challenging concept within the field of physics education, often eluding a full grasp by both educators and learners alike. In this paper, we report findings from a two-phase empirical study into the views of entanglement held by pre-service physics teachers and physics students from various universities. In the first phase, we utilized a questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions which was completed by 31 pre-service physics teachers. The study participants’ ideas were explored using qualitative content analysis which led to the creation of rating scale items used in study phase 2. These items were administered to a broader cohort including 73 physics university students in order to capture the learners’ agreement or disagreement with the questionnaire statements, and hence, helped to validate and substantiate the in-depth insights from study phase 1. Key findings revealed widespread accurate notions, like the need to consider the entire system when examining entangled states. However, less elaborated views were also identified, including ideas such as that measurements of entangled states always show perfect (anti-)correlation. Another striking observation was the confusion between quantum entanglement and superposition. In the case of quantum teleportation, many participants seemed to have a basic grasp of the concept, although a number of misconceptions were apparent, notably the idea that quantum entanglement enables faster-than-light communication. Practically, the findings can assist educators in anticipating and addressing widespread (mis-)conceptions, paving the way for more effective instruction in quantum mechanics and its real-world applications, such as quantum cryptography and computing.

With the increasing industrial relevance of quantum technologies (QTs), a new quantum workforce with special qualification will be needed. Building this workforce requires educational efforts, ranging from short term training to degree programs. In order to plan, map and compare such efforts, personal qualifications or job requirements, standardization is necessary. The European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies (CFQT) provides a common language for QT education. The 2024 update to version 2.5 extends it by the new proficiency triangle and qualification profiles: The proficiency triangle proposes six proficiency levels for three proficiency areas, specifying knowledge and skills for each level. Nine qualification profiles show prototypical qualifications or job roles relevant to the quantum industry, with the required proficiency, examples, and suggestions. This is an important step towards the standardization of QT education. The CFQT update is based on the results of an analysis of 34 interviews on industry needs. The initial findings from the interviews were complemented by iterative refinement and expert consultation.

The growing public fascination with quantum technologies has inadvertently fueled the rise of pseudoscientific claims, particularly the misuse of quantum terminology in fields such as alternative medicine. This phenomenon poses a challenge for physics education, where the distinction between legitimate science and pseudoscience is essential. This paper examines how pre-service physics teachers (N = 28) respond to pseudoscientific uses of quantum terminology, particularly in the context of quantum healing. Therefore, the participants were asked to evaluate a pseudoscientific text about quantum healing in a classroom-like vignette, responding as if they were addressing a student. Their responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to categorize the types of reasoning used. Most participants were successful in identifying scientific inaccuracies and misuse of technical terms, although only a proportion applied broader Nature of Science (NOS)-related critiques. The findings suggest that although pre-service teachers are adept at identifying pseudoscientific claims, more emphasis on the principles of NOS could improve their ability to make comprehensive judgements.

The transition of second-generation quantum technologies from a research topic to a topic of industrial relevance has led to a growing number of quantum companies and businesses that are exploring quantum technologies. Examples would include a start-up building a quantum key distribution device, a large company working on integrating a quantum sensing core into a product, or a company providing quantum computing consultancy. They all face different challenges and needs in terms of building their quantum workforce and training in quantum concepts, technologies and how to derive value from them. With the study documented in this paper, we aim to identify these needs and provide a picture of the industry’s requirements in terms of workforce development and (external) training and materials. We discuss, for example, the shortage of engineers and jobs relevant to the quantum industry, the challenge of getting people interested in quantum, and the need for training at different levels and in different formats – from awareness raising and self-learning materials to university courses in quantum systems engineering. The findings are based on 34 semi-structured interviews with industry representatives and a follow-up questionnaire to validate some of the issues raised in the interviews. These results have influenced activities in EU projects, including an update of the European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies.

Purpose/objectiveTo analyze dose–volume histogram (DVH)-derived data on the exposure of organs at risk with impact on long-term percutaneous enteral gastrostomy (PEG) tube dependence in head and neck cancer patients at 6 and 12 months after definitive or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy.Materials and methodsSixty-one patients were prospectively treated with (chemo)radiotherapy. Prophylactic or reactive gastrostomy tube placement was performed in 41 (67.2%) patients. Dose–volume histogram parameters were obtained for the swallowing apparatus.ResultsMedian follow-up time was 25 (2–34) months. Overall survival was shorter in patients with inlying PEG tubes at 6 and 12 months (log rank p = 0.038 and p = 0.017) after therapy completion. The estimated median time of tube dependency was 6 (95% confidence interval: 2–14) months. After 6 months, 46.5% of patients were tube dependent. After 12 months, this estimated proportion fell to 31.5%. For both time points, the volume to the larynx (in %) receiving at least 50 Gy (larynx V50Gy) exceeding 53% was predictive for long-term tube feeding (6 months: p = 0.041 and 12 months: p = 0.042) being an independent predictor during multivariable analysis. There was no clinical feature influencing tube dependence after 12 months.ConclusionLong-term gastrostomy dependence was found to be strongly associated with an exposure of laryngeal structures (specifically, V50Gy ≥ 53%) during radiotherapy. Consequently, the avoidance of supraglottic as well as glottic structures is warranted.

Quantum physics (QP) education at the secondary school level is still in its infancy. Not only is there ongoing discussion about how to teach this subject, but there is also a lack of coherence in the selection of concepts to be taught, both across countries and over time. To contribute to this discussion, we investigated the perspectives of N = 39 high school teachers, university-level physics educators, and physics education researchers regarding the essential concepts in QP and the corresponding illustrations that should be introduced at the secondary school level. We examined the prominence of different key concepts and illustrations, as well as the level of consensus among the various professional groups. Our analysis revealed that certain key concepts are universally valued across all professional groups, while others are specific to particular groups. Additionally, we explored the relationships between these key concepts and their corresponding illustrations. Overall, our study offers valuable insights into the perspectives of different stakeholders, emphasizing the essential concepts and visualizations that should be considered when designing and implementing the teaching of QP at the secondary school level.

Xerostomia following (chemo-) radiotherapy (CRT) is common in head and neck (HNC) patients. This prospective study focused on investigating the link between salivary gland function and the onset of malnutrition in HNC patients. Between 2018 and 2020, 61 HNC patients scheduled for curative CRT were prospectively recruited. Nutritional status was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and xerostomia was evaluated based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, (CTCAE). Patient-reported outcomes for xerostomia-related symptoms, such as \"dry mouth\" and \"sticky saliva\", were also collected. Data were assessed at the beginning of therapy, during treatment, at the end of treatment, and during follow-up. Organs at risk were contoured including the submandibular and parotid glands. Dose-volume parameters were extracted for the mean Dose (D ), V15 Gy, V30Gy and V45Gy. No correlation was found between the dosimetric parameters [D , V15Gy (%), V30Gy (%) and V45Gy (%)] and the occurrence of malnutrition [defined by a fat-free mass index (FFMI) <15 kg/m (♀) and <17 kg/m (♂) kg/m and/or body-mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m ] at any of the three time points tested. However, the volume of the parotid glands prior to therapy appeared to be related to the development of malnutrition. This effect was not observed with the submandibular glands. A cumulative parotid gland volume of 55.3 cm was identified as the threshold for malnutrition at the second follow-up examination. Although none of the dosimetric factors were associated with the development of malnutrition, the baseline parotid gland volume emerged as an independent predictor of malnutrition in head and neck cancer patients with xerostomia.

With the increasing industrial relevance of quantum technologies (QTs), a new quantum workforce with special qualification will be needed. Building this workforce requires educational efforts, ranging from short term training to degree programs. In order to plan, map and compare such efforts, personal qualifications or job requirements, standardization is necessary. The European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies (CFQT) provides a common language for QT education. The 2024 update to version~2.5 extends it by the new proficiency triangle and qualification profiles: The proficiency triangle proposes six proficiency levels for three proficiency areas, specifying knowledge and skills for each level. Nine qualification profiles show prototypical qualifications or job roles relevant to the quantum industry, with the required proficiency, examples, and suggestions. This is an important step towards the standardization of QT education. The CFQT update is based on the results of an analysis of 34 interviews on industry needs. The initial findings from the interviews were complemented by iterative refinement and expert consultation.