Constraining Dark Matter-Dark Radiation interactions with CMB, BAO, and Lyman-\u3b1

Several interesting Dark Matter (DM) models invoke a dark sector leading to two types of relic particles, possibly interacting with each other: non-relativistic DM, and relativistic Dark Radiation (DR). These models have interesting consequences for cosmological observables, and could in principle solve problems like the small-scale cold DM crisis, Hubble tension, and/or low sigma(8) value. Their cosmological behaviour is captured by the ETHOS parametrisation, which includes a DR-DM scattering rate scaling like a power-law of the temperature, T-n. Scenarios with n = 0, 2, or 4 can easily be realised in concrete dark sector set-ups. Here we update constraints on these three scenarios using recent CMB, BAO, and high-resolution Lyman-alpha data. We introduce a new Lyman-alpha likelihood that is applicable to a wide range of cosmological models with a suppression of the matter power spectrum on small scales. For n = 2 and 4, we find that Lyman-alpha data strengthen the CMB+BAO bounds on the DM-DR interaction rate by many orders of magnitude. However, models offering a possible solution to the missing satellite problem are still compatible with our new bounds. For n = 0, high-resolution Lyman-alpha data bring no stronger constraints on the interaction rate than CMB+BAO data, except for extremely small values of the DR density. Using CMB+BAO data and a theory-motivated prior on the minimal density of DR, we find that the n = 0 model can reduce the Hubble tension from 4.1 sigma to 2.7 sigma, while simultaneously accommodating smaller values of the sigma(8) and S-8 parameters hinted by cosmic shear data

Nationwide survey on the management of pediatric pharyngitis in Italian emergency units

Background Acute pharyngitis is a frequent reason for primary care or emergency unit visits in children. Most available data on pharyngitis management come from primary care studies that demonstrate an underuse of microbiological tests, a tendency to over-prescribe antibiotics and a risk of antimicrobial resistance increase. However, a comprehensive understanding of acute pharyngitis management in emergency units is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of rapid antigen test use to diagnose acute pharyngitis, as well as other diagnostic approaches, the therapeutic attitude, and follow-up of children with this condition in the emergency units.Methods A multicentric national study was conducted in Italian emergency departments between April and June 2022.Results A total of 107 out of 131 invited units (response rate 82%), participated in the survey. The results showed that half of the units use a scoring system to diagnose pharyngitis, with the McIsaac score being the most commonly used. Most emergency units (56%) were not provided with a rapid antigen diagnostic test by their hospital, but the test was more frequently available in units visiting more than 10,000 children yearly (57% vs 33%, respectively, p = 0.02). Almost half (47%) of the units prescribe antibiotics in children with pharyngitis despite the lack of microbiologically confirmed cases of Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Finally, about 25% of units prescribe amoxicillin-clavulanic acid to treat Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus pharyngitis.Conclusions The study sheds light on the approach to pharyngitis in emergency units, providing valuable information to improve the appropriate management of acute pharyngitis in this setting. The routinary provision of rapid antigen tests in the hospitals could enhance the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to pharyngitis