Cholecystitis or scarring of the bile duct. The greatest risk factor for cholecystitis is gallstones. Risk factors for gallstones include female sex, increasing age, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, obesity, diabetes mellitus, ethnicity (Native North American), rapid weight loss. Gallstones blocking the flow of bile account for 90% of cases of cholecystitis (acute calculous cholecystitis). Blockage of bile flow leads to thickening and buildup of bile causing an enlarged, red, and tense gallbladder. The gallbladder is initially sterile but often becomes infected by bacteria, predominantly "E. coli", "Klebsiella", "Streptococcus", and "Clostridium" species. Inflammation can spread to the outer covering of the gallbladder and
Children Affected by AIDS Foundation Angeles and New York. What is Dream Halloween? Since 1993, The Children Affected by AIDS Foundation has raised millions through its nationally recognized Dream Halloween special events. These events were created for a very special reason – to provide children with a safe, secure opportunity to enjoy Halloween through an experience that goes far beyond a child’s imagination. The goal of the events is to create an experience that exemplifies what every child would dream of when celebrating Halloween. Now, Dream Halloween is a unique national awareness and fundraising campaign launched annually in October to expand the efforts of the