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Grape seed extracts are known for their beneficial effects on health and on cardiovascular diseases due to antioxidant activity and the free radical-scavenging properties of proanthocyanidins (PAs). Moreover, grape seed tannins are used in oenology as additives to improve the organoleptic characteristics of wines, and for the clarification of must and wines. PAs in seed extract of 32 hybrid and three V. vinifera grape varieties were characterized by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Signals of 148 compounds were identified as [M+H]+, [M+Na]+ and [M+K]+ adducts of B-type and A-type PAs formed from catechin/epicatechin subunits up to undecamers and with galloylation degree 0-7. The number-average molecular weight (Mn) of the samples, a parameter correlated with the molecular weight of polymers, and the polyphenolic content of extract, were also determined. Profiles of the hybrid grape varieties were compared with those of three V. vinifera samples studied as references. 'Terzi 108-6' showed high content of antioxidant polyphenols and 'Seyve Villard 12-390' higher content of higher oligomers. These two grape varieties are therefore potentially very interesting as sources of antioxidants and tannins for nutraceutical and oenological uses., VITIS - Journal of Grapevine Research, Vol. 54 No. 3 (2015): Vitis

Background. Disability Management can be defined as a practice to improve workers? health and to reduce the impact and costs of disability. The aim of the study was to estimate the diffusion of DM in Italian companies. Methods. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire, the Worksite Disability Management Audit. The questionnaire was structured into five parts addressing the following domains: 1) characteristics of the company; 2) health promotion activities; 3) preventive measures; 4) case management; 5) disability manage- ment. We selected public and private companies and collected information by direct interview. Results. Twenty companies entered the survey. Twelve Com- panies (60%) indicated that health promotion programs and sensibilisation campaigns are usually carried out. The presence of an individual who provided workplace safety indications and materials was stated by 19 companies (95%). Periodical medical examinations are carried out by 19 companies (95%); 16 (80%) have an evaluation process for ergonomics concerns. Risk assessment and analysis are performed by all companies and the security procedures and policies are updated at least once in a year in 40% of cases. Health status monitoring of injured workers is performed in eight (40%)of the companies, while Disability Management is present as a whole in only three companies. Conclusions. This survey highlights that Disability Management is not undertaken in most companies and that, where applied, there is still confusion and disorganization about ways to pro- mote health and manage workers? illness and disability. Hence, there is still the need to promote an all-inclusive evaluation and management of workers? safety, illness and disabilities., Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Vol 50, No 1 (2009)