Eye cosmetic products are widely used and applied in close proximity to the ocular surface, making their microbiological safety particularly important. The aim of this study was to assess bacterial contamination in used eye cosmetic products, characterize the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolated bacteria, and perform molecular genotypic analysis. A total of 71 samples, including mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, were analyzed. Microbiological analysis revealed that Bacillus spp. and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the predominant microorganisms, while no major pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated high susceptibility of isolates to gentamicin, vancomycin, and linezolid, whereas resistance to benzylpenicillin and clindamycin was observed among Staphylococcus spp. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the presence of Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus warneri, with sequences showing high similarity to globally distributed strains. Although the detected microorganisms were predominantly opportunistic, their presence in products applied near the eyes suggests a potential risk of microbial transfer to the ocular surface. These findings highlight the importance of proper hygiene practices, regular product replacement, and effective quality control measures to minimize microbial contamination and associated health risks.

Background and Objectives: Research from recent decades provides strong evidence of an association between childhood adversity and later mental illness in adulthood. The current study analyzed the frequency and intensity of exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in a clinical sample of patients with mood disorders. Effect sizes for each ACE were also evaluated for the onset of depressive disorders (DD) and bipolar disorder (BD). Materials and Methods: A study enrolled total of 147 patients admitted to the Psychiatry Department with diagnoses of DD or BD between October 2018 and December 2019. The control group comprised 156 healthy volunteers. Psychiatric diagnoses were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), version 6.0. Adverse childhood experiences were assessed using a self-administered Adverse Childhood Experiences - International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ). Results: Results indicated that patients with mood disorders had significantly more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) compared to controls. The occurrence of high ACEs exposure (≥4 ACEs) was also notably greater among these patients. Higher cumulative ACEs scores correlated with increased likelihoods of depressive disorders (DD) and bipolar disorder (BD). Factors such as emotional and physical neglect, sexual abuse, household mental illness, having an incarcerated household member, collective violence, parental separation or death significantly raised the odds of DD. Similarly, household mental illness, emotional neglect, parental separation or death, and household substance abuse, collective violence significantly elevated the odds for BD. Multivariate binary logistic regression identified emotional neglect and household mental illness as independent predictors of DD and BD. Conclusions: Our results highlight a significant association between adverse childhood experiences and mood disorders. Early recognition of adversity in childhood and adolescence, and appropriate interventions, must play an important role in the prevention of mood disorders.