Devil, Renaissance Idea of

none1In the aftermath of the Western Schism, Europe is crossed by concerns of eschatological and apocalyptic nature which weigh down and darken the intellectual and social climate of the time. In this context, the Devil, with his endless array of demons, represents one of the main symbols of the baleful omen predicting the end of the world. In the Middle Ages the Devil was represented as a creature relegated to the infernal world, while in the Renaissance he made his incursions among the living through the phenomenon of the demonic possessions. The Devil and his acolytes, demons and witches, become subjects of reflections and debates of intellectuals, theologians, philosophers and artists, through increasingly sophisticated investigative tools.openAgostini; SiegridAgostini, Siegri

Two outbreaks of botulism associated with consumption of green olive paste, France, September 2011.

International audienceTwo family outbreaks of botulism (a total of nine cases) were identified in south-east and northern France in early September 2011. The source of infection was considered to be a ground green olive paste. Botulinum type A toxin was identified in seven cases and in the incriminated olive paste. Incorrect sterilisation techniques were observed at the artisanal producer’s workshop. These episodes highlight the potential public health threat of Clostridium botulinum linked to inadequate sterilisation of food products