To keep things simple, we only consider the area of each state, twice the area of each state, and the area of the entire USA as units. We only bother with twice statesâ area thing for big countries (larger than 2,500,000 sq km). For compactness, we do not provide the reverse mapping from countries to US states. R code available upon request. Here you are.
Gallstones form from bile, the yellowish fluid that is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder until it is released into the small intestine to help in digestion. Bile is a mix of cholesterol, water, pigments, lecithin, and salts (electrolytes), such as calcium, that are kept in equilibrium. Gallstones form when one of the constituents of bile precipitates out and forms a solid mass that may range from the size of a grain of sand to several centimeters large.
Gallstones are the most pressing of all gallbladder diseases. They develop when substances in the bile (such as cholesterol, bile salts, and calcium) form hard particles that block the passageway to the gallbladder. In addition, stones tend to form when the gallbladder doesnât empty completely or often enough. They vary in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Numerous factors contribute to your risk of gallstones. These include: 1  being overweight or obese. 2  eating a high-fat or high-cholesterol diet. 3  having diabetes. 4  being age 60 or older.