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The successful extension of the reversed-phase HPLC methodology to the study of non-human globin chains is shown. A large-pore C4 column, and simple acetonitrile in aqueous TFA gradients, were used to completely separate and quantitate globin chains from caprines, swines, rodents, and birds. Results indicate a large hemoglobin polymorphism in some species.

Hemoglobin phenotypes of European mouflon and sheep were analyzed by isoelectric focusing; the results show that the sheep HbA migrated faster than that of other animals, while the mouflon HbA was more anodic than the sheep HbB. The oxygen dissociation curve of blood from mouflon is similar to that of sheep with HbA. The authors suggest that the mouflon should not be considered a direct ancestor of the Sardinian breed of sheep.

An investigation on the dietary habits of 944 secondary school children from Alghero, with reference to breakfast consumption and composition, has shown that the percentage of students who eat nothing for breakfast is higher than that reported by other authors. Furthermore it has been noted that consumption decreases among grown up students. Milk and coffee is the most common type of nutriment and also bread and biscuits are well represented. Other types of food, such as jam, yogurt or butter, are instead rarely consumed. Therefore the average caloric intake is of about 400 Kcal.

An investigation on eating habits of a group of 40 patients with beta-thalassemia major has been carried out mainly to evidentiate iron intake whose absorption is strikingly increased in this disease. Questionnaires were used to obtain information. Daily food intake, the mean consumption of various types of food and the level of the more significant nutrients were calculated, using the National Institute of Nutrition tables. A high consumption of meat and a low consumption of fruits and vegetables were observed. A high proportion of proteins (particularly of animal origin) and a low proportion of lipids and carbohydrates was observed in comparison with the recommended levels of nutrients. Iron intake was slightly lower but its absorption may be increased because of the high proportion of calories of animal origin. A manipulation of the diet seems to be necessary to reduce the risk of iron loading.