Q: What is the difference between gangrene and necrotizing fasciitis? -- Bill Barney, Atlanta
A: Gangrene refers to the death of body tissue (necrosis). The primary cause of gangrene is reduced blood supply to the affected tissues, which results in cell death, Dr. Bruce Ribner, a professor of medicine (infectious diseases) at Emory University's School of Medicine, told Q&A on the News in an email. Gangrene may result from an infection, such as with clostridial infection (gas gangrene) or may be present without any infection, such as severe frostbite. "Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin and subcutaneous tissues, spreading across the fascial plane within the subcutaneous tissue. It tends to spare the muscles in an area," he said.
Q: I read in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Sheldon Adelson donated $10 million to the main political action committee supporting Mitt Romney. Can you tell me how much George Soros donated to President Barack Obama's campaign in 2008 and this upcoming election? -- Renée Davis, Cumming
A: Soros, who has been described by The New York Times as the "billionaire financier of liberal causes," pledged last month to give $1 million to both America Votes, "a group that coordinates political activity for left-leaning environmental, abortion rights and civil rights groups, and American Bridge 21st Century, a super PAC that focuses on election-oriented research," the Times reported. In 2008, Soros donated $5 million to organizations that support Democrats, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonprofit group that tracks campaign finances, Bloomberg reported. He gave $23.7 million to Democratic groups in 2004 and $3.5 million in 2006.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
About the Author
