Background A few published data on maternal and cord levels of zinc and copper with conflicting results were reported. We aimed to measure zinc and copper levels in the maternal blood and cord blood of newborns and correlate their levels with the gestational age and anthropometric measurements. This cross-sectional study included 75 full-term and preterm neonates and their mothers. These neonates were divided into 2 groups according to their gestational age. Serum levels of copper and zinc were estimated for the mothers of the studied neonates as well as their cord samples. This was done using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results The mean cord serum zinc in full term was 0.88 ± 0.18 μg/ml whereas in preterms was 0.73 ± 0.13 μg/ml. The mean cord copper in full term was 1.37 ± 0.26 μg/ml, whereas in preterms was 0.75 ± 0.28 μg/ml. Comparison between cord zinc and copper levels and maternal levels were statistically significant (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between zinc levels in neonates and their mothers (r 0.644; p < 0.000) and a similar positive correlation was found between copper levels in neonates and their mothers (r 0.625; p 0.000). A highly significant positive correlation was found between cord zinc and copper and anthropometric measurements. Conclusion The present work draws our attention to the significant correlation between trace elements in pregnant mothers and fetal development. Also, prematurity adversely influences zinc and copper levels in neonates.

Background: Bipolar disorder (BP) is one of the main causes of disability and morbidity globally. It has been linked to medical and mental comorbidity, premature death, functional impairment, and poor quality of life. Objective: Recognizing predictors of psychiatric readmission among bipolar patients who were admitted to hospital within six months since last admission. Subjects and Procedures: One hundred bipolar patients who had been admitted to Abbassyia Mental Hospital were included in this cross-sectional study. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire designed specifically for study, which cover number of presumed risk factors. Results: About one-third of patients with BP relapse into depression or mania even with treatment. Our study revealed risk factors significantly differed between the two groups, such that patients who were rehospitalized within less than 3 months were significantly more likely to be unemployed, living in highly crowded places, socially isolated, experiencing stressful life events, having neither fixed income nor supportive families. Thus, insufficient psychoeducation, smoking, relapse during postpartum period and readmission with manic episode were highly significant at this group. Regarding sociodemographic status, child abuse, using long-acting medications or ECT, compliance, number of admissions, last admission duration, presence of insurance, all showed statistically nonsignificant differences between the two groups. Conclusion: It is estimated that around one-third of people with BP illness may have a recurrence of depressive or manic symptoms despite therapy. Across all time periods, people with bipolar disorder were more likely to be readmitted when they had certain risk indicators.