I have the same problem. I tried to change first the version to 3.9 in qtranslate.php and then it said “fatal error” and nothing worked anymore. I removed the qtranslate plugin via FTP and replaced it with the old version. Then I tried only to remove the “$before.” as you all said, and then it says “no data transfered from server”. I again only exchanged qtranslate core back to its original state. Now at least the pages look ok again, but none of my posts. I would be so so happy and grateful about an idea, thank you!