COVID-19 Academic Resources Center
 

MDPI Comment on the COVID-19 Virus

Since 1996, MDPI has been committed to supporting the research community by providing the latest research freely available and making relevant and useful research available as quickly as possible. The world is current experiencing a pandemic of COVID-19, and researchers are working extremely hard to understand it and find a cure.

The values MDPI holds strongly are particularly important at the moment, and we will continue to publish relevant, peer-reviewed research as quickly as possible in open access format. This means that it will immediately be available for researchers, health professionals, and the general public to read, distribute, and reuse. We believe that scientific advancements will be crucial to overcoming this pandemic, and will do everything we can to support researchers working looking for solutions.

This page contains a variety of information related to COVID-19 available from MDPI, including journal articles, special issues, and preprints, among others.

Recent Publications

17 pages, 532 KiB  
Article
Emotional Shifts and Recovery in the Post-COVID-19 Era: A Retrospective Survey Among Adolescents in Vietnam
by Lam Thi Le, Johnston H. C. Wong and Mai-Huong Thi Phan
Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(4), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14040227 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Recognizing widespread emotional and mental health issues among students during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to investigate whether recovery and resilience have emerged in the post-pandemic era. A retrospective survey was conducted with high school students in Da Nang, a Vietnamese tourist [...] Read more.
Recognizing widespread emotional and mental health issues among students during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to investigate whether recovery and resilience have emerged in the post-pandemic era. A retrospective survey was conducted with high school students in Da Nang, a Vietnamese tourist city that endured multiple waves of COVID-19 from 2020 to 2022. The survey was conducted 18 months after Da Nang was locked down and had only recently entered the ‘new normal’ phase in early 2023. Results revealed that even though the pandemic had subsided, negative emotional experiences remained vivid in students’ memories, even when the pandemic was internationally declared to have ended. Fears of illness, death, isolation, losing social connections, and disruptions in academic paths still lingered. Nevertheless, a significant rebound from predominantly negative to positive emotions was observed among the young people. Understanding which negative emotions affected students the most will allow us to devise more targeted policies and provide more effective social services in response to similar public health crises in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Researching Youth on the Move: Methods, Ethics and Emotions)
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25 pages, 671 KiB  
Review
Systematic Review of the Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Systems and Society—The Role of Diagnostics and Nutrition in Pandemic Response
by Wanda Olesińska, Małgorzata Biernatek, Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska and Jacek Piątek
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(7), 2482; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072482 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed deep vulnerabilities in healthcare systems and public health preparedness. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of epidemiological procedures, the role of diagnostics, and the influence of nutritional status on immune function and disease severity. A total of 88 [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed deep vulnerabilities in healthcare systems and public health preparedness. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of epidemiological procedures, the role of diagnostics, and the influence of nutritional status on immune function and disease severity. A total of 88 studies were analyzed, encompassing diagnostics, micronutrient deficiencies (notably vitamin D, C, E, zinc, and selenium), and the psychosocial impact of the pandemic. The results underscore the importance of integrated strategies—including accurate testing, preventive nutritional measures, and mental health support—in improving outcomes and societal resilience during global health crises. Unlike previous reviews that focused on isolated biomedical or public health elements, this study integrates diagnostics, immune-nutritional status, and psychosocial effects to present a comprehensive, multidimensional analysis of pandemic impact and preparedness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology & Public Health)
15 pages, 426 KiB  
Article
Reconfiguring Rehabilitation Services for Rural South Africans with Disabilities During a Health Emergency: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
by Litakazi Tekula, Madri Engelbrecht and Lieketseng Ned
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040567 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent hard lockdown in South Africa, implemented in March 2020, significantly disrupted disability and rehabilitation services. Persons with disabilities experienced limited access to essential Orthotic and Prosthetic services, particularly in rural provinces such as the Eastern Cape. This [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent hard lockdown in South Africa, implemented in March 2020, significantly disrupted disability and rehabilitation services. Persons with disabilities experienced limited access to essential Orthotic and Prosthetic services, particularly in rural provinces such as the Eastern Cape. This study aimed to explore how Medical Orthotists and Prosthetists reconfigured their services during and after the pandemic to inform disability-inclusive emergency responses. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 12 Medical Orthotists and Prosthetists practicing in the public sector in the Eastern Cape. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via MS Teams, and the data were analysed by using thematic analysis to identify key themes related to service disruptions and adaptations. Four main themes emerged: (1) disrupted access to Orthotic and Prosthetic services, (2) backlogs and limited services, (3) safety measures and adaptation control, and (4) lingering challenges and gaps. Service delivery was hindered by halted outreach clinics, limited access to materials, budget reallocations, and the deprioritisation of rehabilitation services. This study highlights the challenges faced by Medical Orthotists and Prosthetists in maintaining the functionality of Orthotic and Prosthetic services during the pandemic. These findings emphasise the need for disability-inclusive policies and strategies to ensure the continuity of rehabilitation services during emergencies. Full article
21 pages, 2310 KiB  
Article
Translation of COVID-19 Serology Test on Foil-Based Lateral Flow Chips: A Journey from Injection Molding to Scalable Roll-to-Roll Nanoimprint Lithography
by Pakapreud Khumwan, Stephan Ruttloff, Johannes Götz, Dieter Nees, Conor O’Sullivan, Alvaro Conde, Mirko Lohse, Christian Wolf, Nastasia Okulova, Janine Brommert, Richard Benauer, Ingo Katzmayr, Nikolaus Ladenhauf, Wilfried Weigel, Maciej Skolimowski, Max Sonnleitner, Martin Smolka, Anja Haase, Barbara Stadlober and Jan Hesse
Biosensors 2025, 15(4), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15040229 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Lateral flow tests (LFTs) had a pivotal role in combating the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus throughout the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to their affordability and ease of use. Most of LFT devices were based on nitrocellulose membrane strips whose industrial upscaling to billions [...] Read more.
Lateral flow tests (LFTs) had a pivotal role in combating the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus throughout the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to their affordability and ease of use. Most of LFT devices were based on nitrocellulose membrane strips whose industrial upscaling to billions of devices has already been extensively demonstrated. Nevertheless, the assay option in an LFT format is largely restricted to qualitative detection of the target antigens. In this research, we surveyed the potential of UV nanoimprint lithography (UV-NIL) and extrusion coating (EC) for the high-throughput production of disposable capillary-driven, foil-based tests that allow multistep assays to be implemented for quantitative readout to address the inherent lack of on-demand fluid control and sensitivity of paper-based devices. Both manufacturing technologies operate on the principle of imprinting that enables high-volume, continuous structuring of microfluidic patterns in a roll-to-roll (R2R) production scheme. To demonstrate the feasibility of R2R-fabricated foil chips in a point-of-care biosensing application, we adapted a commercial chemiluminescence multiplex test for COVID-19 antibody detection originally developed for a capillary-driven microfluidic chip manufactured with injection molding (IM). In an effort to build a complete ecosystem for the R2R manufacturing of foil chips, we also recruited additional processes to streamline chip production: R2R biofunctionalization and R2R lamination. Compared to conventional fabrication techniques for microfluidic devices, the R2R techniques highlighted in this work offer unparalleled advantages concerning improved scalability, dexterity of seamless handling, and significant cost reduction. Our preliminary evaluation indicated that the foil chips exhibited comparable performance characteristics to the original IM-fabricated devices. This early success in assay translation highlights the promise of implementing biochemical assays on R2R-manufactured foil chips. Most importantly, it underscores the potential utilization of UV-NIL and EC as an alternative to conventional technologies for the future development in vitro diagnostics (IVD) in response to emerging point-of-care testing demands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensing Technologies in Medical Diagnosis)
28 pages, 2466 KiB  
Article
Assessing Shallow Groundwater Depth and Electrical Conductivity in the Brazilian Semiarid: A Geostatistical Analysis
by Thayná Alice Brito Almeida, Luiz Carlos da Silva Boaventura, Marcos Vinícius da Silva, Carolyne Wanessa Lins de Andrade Farias, Aline Maria Soares das Chagas, Rodrigo Soares da Costa, Cláudio Vinícius de Souza Moura and Abelardo Antônio de Assunção Montenegro
Geosciences 2025, 15(4), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15040136 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
The Brazilian semiarid region faces water scarcity, with alluvial aquifers playing a crucial role in agricultural water security. This study assesses the spatiotemporal variability of groundwater quantity and salinity, analyzing natural and anthropogenic impacts, including post-pandemic trends. The investigation was developed in the [...] Read more.
The Brazilian semiarid region faces water scarcity, with alluvial aquifers playing a crucial role in agricultural water security. This study assesses the spatiotemporal variability of groundwater quantity and salinity, analyzing natural and anthropogenic impacts, including post-pandemic trends. The investigation was developed in the Mimoso Alluvial Valley (MAV), Pernambuco State, mainly used for communal irrigation supply. The spatiotemporal dynamics of land use (LUC) was performed based on data provided by Mapbiomas for the years 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2023. Geostatistical analysis was applied for mapping water table levels and salinity. Changes in LUC suggest possible forest regeneration influenced by climatic factors and anthropogenic pressure alleviation. Electrical conductivity (EC) and groundwater level (GWL) exhibited medium to high variability. Temporal trends highlight climatic influences, groundwater abstraction, and recharge/discharge dynamics. Pre-2019 years were classified as dry, whereas the 2019–2023 years ranged from rainy to extremely rainy, leading to lower EC and GWL variability in 2023. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reduced agriculture, lowering salinity and aiding groundwater recovery. The spatial analysis revealed critical distribution patterns, highlighting the interaction between natural processes and human activities. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing irrigation and environmental strategies, supporting long-term groundwater sustainability in semiarid regions. Full article
15 pages, 1320 KiB  
Article
Telemedicine Hybrid Care Models in Gastroenterology Outpatient Care: Results from a German Tertiary Center
by Nada Abedin, Christian Kilbinger, Alexander Queck, Nina Weiler, Anita Pathil, Ulrike Mihm, Christoph Welsch, Irina Blumenstein, Alica Kubesch-Grün, Stefan Zeuzem and Georg Dultz
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(7), 2471; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072471 - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background: With the COVID-19 pandemic, a rapid adoption of telemedicine became necessary. Data regarding its implementation in specialized hepatology/IBD care remain limited. This study evaluated telemedicine’s effectiveness and safety during the pandemic at a German tertiary center and explored its integration into future [...] Read more.
Background: With the COVID-19 pandemic, a rapid adoption of telemedicine became necessary. Data regarding its implementation in specialized hepatology/IBD care remain limited. This study evaluated telemedicine’s effectiveness and safety during the pandemic at a German tertiary center and explored its integration into future hybrid care models. Methods: In a retrospective study, we analyzed 3147 patient encounters at the outpatient clinic of the Department for Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University Hospital Frankfurt between March and June 2020. We assessed patient characteristics, appointment adherence, and outcomes across the three specialized clinics: hepatology (n = 1963), liver transplant (n = 594), and IBD (n = 590). Multivariate regression analysis identified predictors of successful telemedicine utilization. Results: Out of all appointments, 1112 (35.3%) were conducted via telemedicine, with significantly different adoption rates across clinics (hepatology, 40.4%; liver transplant, 32.8%; IBD, 21.0%, p < 0.01). Adherence rates were comparable between telemedicine (91.3%) and in-person visits (90.5%). Multivariate analysis identified age (OR 1.009, 95%CI 1.004–1.014, p < 0.001), metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (OR 1.737, 95%CI 1.400–2.155, p < 0.001), and post-liver transplant status (OR 1.281, 95%CI 1.001–1.641, p = 0.049) as independent predictors of successful telemedicine utilization. HBV/HDV coinfection (OR 0.370, 95%CI 0.192–0.711, p = 0.003) and required endoscopy (OR 0.464, 95%CI 0.342–0.630, p < 0.001) were associated with in-person care. Hospitalization rates were low and comparable across modalities, confirming telemedicine’s safety. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that telemedicine can be successfully implemented in specialized gastroenterology and hepatology care, with high compliance rates comparable to in-person visits. Patient characteristics and disease-specific factors influence the suitability for telemedicine, supporting a stratified approach to hybrid care models, which can optimize resource utilization while maintaining quality of care. Particularly stable MASLD patients, well-controlled post-transplant recipients beyond one year, and IBD patients in sustained remission can be properly managed through telemedicine with annual in-person assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine)
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Sequencing Techniques and Genomics Technologies to Help with Diagnostics and Virus Characterization – Focus on COVID 19
edited by , Hugh E. Olsen, and
submission deadline 15 Apr 2021 | 10 articles | Viewed by 64480
Keywords: Genomics technologies; Sequencing techniques; Metagenomics; Virus sequencing; Genetic diagnostics; qPCR; Nanopore sequencing; Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing; Next-generation sequencing (NGS); Third-generation sequencing; Virus characterization; Long-read sequencing; Comparative genomics; Functional genomics; Diagnostic tests; Infectious diseases; Pandemic; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Coronavirus; Genomic epidemiology; Population stratification; Genetic susceptibility; Host interactions
(This special issue belongs to the Section Technologies and Resources for Genetics)
Tourism Industry Recovery after COVID-19
edited by and Lisa Young
submission deadline 19 Apr 2025 | 5 articles | Viewed by 11366 | Submission Open
Keywords: tourism development; tourism recovery; tourism economics; tourism marketing
(This special issue belongs to the Section Tourism, Culture, and Heritage)
Novel Approaches to Potential COVID-19 Molecular Therapeutics
edited by , , Ivan Gentile and
submission deadline 20 Apr 2025 | 5 articles | Viewed by 11426 | Submission Open
Keywords: COVID-19; vaccines; therapeutics; antivirals; monoclonal antibodies; personalized medicine
(This special issue belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
COVID-19: Molecular Research and Novel Therapy submission deadline 25 Apr 2025 | Viewed by 151 | Submission Open
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; virus-host interaction; immune response; antiviral agents; vaccines
(This special issue belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
COVID-19 and Pneumonia, 3rd Edition submission deadline 30 Apr 2025 | 6 articles | Viewed by 6269 | Submission Open
Keywords: COVID-19; pneumonia; lung diseases; diagnosis; treatment; prognosis
(This special issue belongs to the Section Coronaviruses)
The End of the COVID-19 Pandemic—What Is Currently Known and What Could Have Been Useful Four Years Ago? (2nd Edition) submission deadline 30 Apr 2025 | 11 articles | Viewed by 18863 | Submission Open
Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; pandemic; diagnosis; biomarkers; treatment; immunity; inflammation; cytokines; vaccine
(This special issue belongs to the Section Molecular and Translational Medicine)

State-of-the-Art Webinars on COVID-19


WEBINAR 1: How to Avoid a New Lockdown?

The first webinar in the series, held on 17 April 2020, saw both Prof. Dr. Antoine Flahault, Director of the Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Switzerland, and Prof. Dr. Evelyne Bischof, Associate Professor, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China and Research physician, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland speak on this topic.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 2: Coronaviruses: History, Replication, Innate Immune Antagonism

The second webinar in the series, entitled “Coronaviruses: history, replication, innate immune antagonism”, saw Prof. Dr. Susan R. Weiss, Professor of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania speak on this topic.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 3: Could the COVID-19 Crisis be the Opportunity to Make Cities Carbon Neutral, Liveable and Healthy

The third webinar in this series was presented by Prof. Dr. Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, a world leading expert in environmental exposure assessment, epidemiology, and health risk/impact assessment with a strong focus and interest on healthy urban living. 

The recording can be found here

WEBINAR 4: COVID-19 - Global Supply Chains and the SDGs

For the fourth webinar of this series, Prof. Dr. Max Bergman, Dr. Dorothea Schostok and Prof. Dr. Patrick Paul Walsh gave a presentation on Global Supply Chains and the SDGs. 

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 5: The New Role of Family Physicians in Times of COVID-19

The fifth webinar of the COVID-19 Series saw Prof. Dr. Christos Lionis discuss the new role of family physicians that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 6: Survey on Symptoms/Signs, Protective Measures, Level of Awareness and Perception Regarding COVID-19 Outbreak among Dentists

In the sixth webinar of this series, Prof. Dr. Guglielmo Campus and Prof. Dr. Maria Grazia present and discuss the risk and the preventions that can and should be taken by dentists during this pandemic.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 7: Living with COVID-19: An Early Intervention Therapeutic Strategy to Control the Pandemic

The seventh webinar of the COVID-19 series, Dr. Hamid Merchant discussed the different therapeutic strategies that can be adopted in the early stages of the infection.

The recording can be found here.

WEBINAR 8: Impact of COVID-19 on Routine Immunization, Reproduction and Pregnancy Outcome

For the eighth COVID-19 webinar, Prof. Dr. Jon Øyvind Odland discussed the effect that COVID-19 seems to have on pregnant women; whereas Prof. Dr. Giovanni Gabutti discussed the role of routine immunization as a way of fighting COVID-19.

The recording can be found here.

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