Daily briefing – Nov. 20

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* Women drinking and eating moderate amounts of caffeine during pregnancy should be reassured that they are not harming their child’s intelligence, according to a study from The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital that was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. The research, one of the first studies to focus on how in utero caffeine exposure affects a child’s future intelligence (IQ) and behavior later in childhood, found caffeine did not lead to a reduced IQ or increased behavioral problems.

“We did not find evidence of an adverse association of maternal pregnancy caffeine consumption with child cognition or behavior at 4 or 7 years of age,” said Mark A. Klebanoff, MD, principal investigator in the Center for Perinatal Research at the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s and faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

Researchers analyzed a marker of caffeine in the blood of 2,197 expectant mothers who took part in the Collaborative Perinatal Project, conducted at multiple sites in the United States in 1959-74. According to the researchers, this was an era when coffee consumption during pregnancy was more prevalent than today, as there was little concern regarding the safety of caffeine. Therefore, the study was able to investigate a broader range of caffeine intake than if a similar study was done today.

* Thursday, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine continued their efforts to combat child sex trafficking. Portman, who serves as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), held a hearing concerning its bipartisan investigation of sex trafficking on the Internet. Attorney General DeWine’s office provided valuable written testimony in support of Portman’s hearing and outlining their work to address sex trafficking. The testimony was submitted by Brant Cook, the Director of Attorney General DeWine’s Crimes Against Children Initiative.

In his written testimony, Brant Cook, Director of the Crimes Against Children Initiative, stated that, “The investigation by this Subcommittee concerning traffickers’ use of online marketplace websites is critical in identifying any information that may assist law enforcement in more effectively combatting sex trafficking. The currency of any investigation is information, and a clear understanding of what information could be available through fuller and more uniform retention of information by online service providers – which may then be able to be acquired through appropriate legal process by law enforcement – would make a large difference in investigations of sex trafficking and other crimes. The Subcommittee and Senator Portman’s questions deserve answers.”

* Following a criminal referral by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities and an indictment from the Warren County Grand Jury, Frank N. Kautzmann, formerly of Springboro, Ohio, was arrested this week on a warrant issued by the Warren County Common Pleas Court. The criminal charges include one count of securities fraud, a felony of the third degree, one count of misrepresentations in the sale of a security, a felony of the third degree, and two counts of grand theft, both felonies of the fourth degree. If convicted on all charges, Kautzmann could face a sentence of up to nine years in prison.

The indictment is based on allegations that Kautzmann, who refers to himself as Dr. Frank Kautzmann III, solicited and sold investments in the amount of $30,000 related to a merger and formation of a new company, ANTS Software, Texas. It also alleges that Kautzmann misrepresented the investment and used investor funds for personal expenses.

* U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) Thursday introduced a bipartisan bill to create an African American Civil Rights Network – a national network of historic sites, stories, research facilities, and educational programs connected to the African American Civil Rights Movement. The African American Civil Rights Network Act would also establish a National Park Service (NPS) program to educate the public, and provide technical assistance for documenting, preserving, and interpreting the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Bipartisan companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Lacy Clay (D-MO-1) and Jason Smith (R-MO-8).

“We must never forget the struggle of the brave women and men who risked their lives to demand full and equal participation in our democracy,” said Brown. “Creating a national network of historic sites would preserve the history of the African American Civil Rights Movement for future generations as we continue to work to secure full civil rights for all Americans.”

* Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) – the Wounded Warrior Employment Improvement Act – won the support of the Paralyzed Veterans of American (PVA). Last week, the Senate included the bill – which would help veterans with service-connected disabilities find and retain employment – as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. A companion bill has been introduced in the House.

“Veterans injured while serving their country deserve our help in building careers when they return home and transition to civilian life,” said Brown. “This bill would ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs can continue to provide wounded warriors with exceptional care, training, and support.”

* The University of Findlay’s 11th annual Toys for Tots Christmas Party for the campus and community will be held Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union on Frazer Street.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet, greet and thank U.S. Marine Corps members for their service; meet Santa’s helper; and enjoy Christmas music and holiday snacks while contributing toys and cash to buy toys for needy children in Hancock County.

Due to the generosity of participants last year, UF collected 252 toys and $253.09 in cash donations. This year’s goal is to collect 300 toys so the local U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots members can meet their goal of providing four toys per child.

* Jessica Foster, MD, has joined Akron Children’s Hospital as the director of developmental-behavioral pediatrics in the NeuroDevelopmental Science Center.

She evaluates, diagnoses and treats a wide range of developmental and behavioral disorders in infants, children and teens.

Dr. Foster earned her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, where she also received a master’s in public health and completed her residency in pediatrics. She completed a fellowship in developmental-behavioral pediatrics at the University of Kansas Medical Center and at the Developmental Disabilities Center in Kansas City. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in pediatrics and developmental-behavioral pediatrics.

* On Tuesday Nov. 24, UF administration, faculty, staff and students are invited the annual traditional Thanksgiving meal put on by the Buford Center for Diversity and Service and the Office of the President. The meal will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Alumni Memorial Union multipurpose room.

This meal is to be shared with students on campus who may not have an opportunity to enjoy this holiday at home with family or friends. All members of the UF campus community are invited and welcome to attend. They hope to bring together 200+ faculty, staff and students to share in this celebration of gratitude.

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