Nomogram prediction of vessels encapsulating tumor clusters in small hepatocellular carcinoma≤3 cm based on enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND Vessels encapsulating tumor clusters(VETC)represent a recently discovered vascular pattern associated with novel metastasis mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,it seems that no one have focused on predicting VETC status in small HCC(sHCC).This study aimed to develop a new nomogram for predicting VETC positivity using preoperative clinical data and image features in sHCC(≤3 cm)patients.AIM To construct a nomogram that combines preoperative clinical parameters and image features to predict patterns of VETC and evaluate the prognosis of sHCC patients.METHODS A total of 309 patients with sHCC,who underwent segmental resection and had their VETC status confirmed,were included in the study.These patients were recruited from three different hospitals:Hospital 1 contributed 177 patients for the training set,Hospital 2 provided 78 patients for the test set,and Hospital 3 provided 54 patients for the validation set.Independent predictors of VETC were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic analyses.These independent predictors were then used to construct a VETC prediction model for sHCC.The model’s performance was evaluated using the area under the curve(AUC),calibration curve,and clinical decision curve.Additionally,Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to confirm whether the predicted VETC status by the model is associated with early recurrence,just as it is with the actual VETC status and early recurrence.RESULTS Alpha-fetoprotein_lg10,carbohydrate antigen 199,irregular shape,non-smooth margin,and arterial peritumoral enhancement were identified as independent predictors of VETC.The model incorporating these predictors demonstrated strong predictive performance.The AUC was 0.811 for the training set,0.800 for the test set,and 0.791 for the validation set.The calibration curve indicated that the predicted probability was consistent with the actual VETC status in all three sets.Furthermore,the decision curve analysis demonstrated the clinical benefits of our model for patients with sHCC.Finally,early recurrence was more likely to occur in the VETC-positive group compared to the VETC-negative group,regardless of whether considering the actual or predicted VETC status.CONCLUSION Our novel prediction model demonstrates strong performance in predicting VETC positivity in sHCC(≤3 cm)patients,and it holds potential for predicting early recurrence.This model equips clinicians with valuable information to make informed clinical treatment decisions.

Preoperatively predicting vessels encapsulating tumor clusters in hepatocellular carcinoma:Machine learning model based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography

BACKGROUND Recently,vessels encapsulating tumor clusters(VETC)was considered as a distinct pattern of tumor vascularization which can primarily facilitate the entry of the whole tumor cluster into the bloodstream in an invasion independent manner,and was regarded as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).AIM To develop and validate a preoperative nomogram using contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT)to predict the presence of VETC+in HCC.METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 190 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC who underwent CECT scanning and immunochemical staining for cluster of differentiation 34 at two medical centers.Radiomics analysis was conducted on intratumoral and peritumoral regions in the portal vein phase.Radiomics features,essential for identifying VETC+HCC,were extracted and utilized to develop a radiomics model using machine learning algorithms in the training set.The model’s performance was validated on two separate test sets.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis was employed to compare the identified performance of three models in predicting the VETC status of HCC on both training and test sets.The most predictive model was then used to constructed a radiomics nomogram that integrated the independent clinical-radiological features.ROC and decision curve analysis were used to assess the performance characteristics of the clinical-radiological features,the radiomics features and the radiomics nomogram.RESULTS The study included 190 individuals from two independent centers,with the majority being male(81%)and a median age of 57 years(interquartile range:51-66).The area under the curve(AUC)for the combined radiomics features selected from the intratumoral and peritumoral areas were 0.825,0.788,and 0.680 in the training set and the two test sets.A total of 13 features were selected to construct the Rad-score.The nomogram,combining clinicalradiological and combined radiomics features could accurately predict VETC+in all three sets,with AUC values of 0.859,0.848 and 0.757.Decision curve analysis revealed that the radiomics nomogram was more clinically useful than both the clinical-radiological feature and the combined radiomics models.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential utility of a CECT-based radiomics nomogram,incorporating clinicalradiological features and combined radiomics features,in the identification of VETC+HCC.

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis(EPS) is a debilitating condition characterized by a fibrocollagenous membrane encasing the small intestine, resulting in recurrent small bowel obstructions. EPS is most commonly associated with long-term peritoneal dialysis, though medications, peritoneal infection, and systemic inflammatory disorders have been implicated. Many cases remain idiopathic. Diagnosis is often delayed given the rarity of the disorder combined with non-specific symptoms and laboratory findings. Although cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography of the abdomen can be suggestive of the disorder, many patients undergo exploratory laparotomy for diagnosis. Mortality approaches 50% one year after diagnosis. Treatment for EPS involves treating the underlying condition or eliminating possible inciting agents(i.e. peritoneal dialysis, medications, infections) and nutritional support, frequently with total parenteral nutrition. EPSspecific treatment depends on the disease stage. In the inflammatory stage, corticosteroids are the treatment of choice, while in the fibrotic stage, tamoxifen may be beneficial. In practice, distinguishing between stages may be difficult and both may be used. Surgical intervention, consisting of peritonectomy and enterolysis, is timeconsuming and high-risk and is reserved for situations in which conservative medical therapy fails in institutions with surgical expertise in this area. Herein we review the available literature of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare, but potentially devastating disease.

Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (or abdominal cocoon):A report of 5 cases

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction that is characterized by a thick grayish-white fibrotic membrane encasing the small bowel. SEP can be classified as idiopathic,also known as abdominal cocoon,or secondary. It is difficult to make a definite pre-operative diagnosis. We experienced five cases of abdominal cocoon,and the case files were reviewed retrospectively for the clinical presentation,operative findings and outcome. All the patients presented with acute,subacute and chronic intestinal obstruction. Computed tomography (CT) showed characteristic findings of small bowel loops congregated to the center of the abdomen encased by a soft-tissue density mantle in four cases. Four cases had an uneventful post-operative period,one case received second adhesiolysis due to persistent ileus. The imaging techniques may facilitate pre-operative diagnosis. Surgery is important in the management of SEP.

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis in a liver transplant patient: A case report

We report a patient with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） and refractory ascites who had received a peritoneal-venous shunt （PVS） 1 year before liver transplantation, Urgent surgical intervention following bowel obstruction and failure of immunosuppression therapy. No intestinal obstruction was found during an initial PVS. However, intestinal obstruction developed 2 was found upon exploration. This is the first reported case of cocoon abdomen caused by PVS and exacerbated by liver transplantation.

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in an AMA-M2 positive patient:A case report

BACKGROUND Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis(EPS)is hard to diagnose because of nonspecific symptoms and signs.It is a general consensus that EPS is classified as primary and secondary.There have been several studies discovering some highrisk factors such as liver cirrhosis,of which AMA-M2 is a biomarker,and intraabdominal surgery such as laparoscopic surgery.Imaging studies help to diagnose EPS and exploratory laparotomy might be an alternative if imaging fails.Nowadays,laparotomy plays a key role in treating EPS,especially when medical treatments do not work and medical therapy fails to ease patients’symptoms.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old man complained of unexplained vomiting and abdominal distension 2 mo after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Increased alkaline phosphatase and liver enzymes were discovered.An autoimmune liver disease test showed that AMA-M2 was positive.A gastroscopy revealed bile reflux gastritis.A magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a slight dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct.A colonoscopy showed that there was a mucosal eminence lesion in the sigmoid colon(24 cm away from the anus),with a size of 3 cm×3 cm and erosive surface.At last,the small intestine and the stomach were found to be encased in a cocoon-like membrane during the surgery.The membrane was dissected and adhesiolysis was done to release the trapped organs.The patient recovered and was discharged 44 d after the operation,and there was no recurrence during a follow-up period of 3 mo.CONCLUSION AMA-M2 is a marker of primary biliary sclerosis and may help to make a preoperative diagnosis of EPS.

Encapsulating peritonitis and familial Mediterranean fever

AIM: To investigate the relationship between encapsulating peritonitis and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). METHODS: The patient had a history of type 2 diabetes and Iaparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed one year ago for cholelithiasis. Eleven months after the operation she developed massive ascites. Biochemical evaluation revealed hyperglycemia, mild Fe deficiency anemia, hypoalbuminemia and a CA-125 level of 2 700 IU. Ascitic evaluation showed characteristics of exudation with a cell count of 580/mm^3. Abdominal CT showed omental thickening and massive ascites. At exploratory laparotomy there was generalized thickening of the peritoneum and a Iaparoscopic clip encapsulated by fibrous tissue was found adherent to the uterus. Biopsies were negative for malignancy and a prophilactic total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy were performed. RESULTS: The histopathological evaluation was compatible with chronic nonspecific findings and mild mesothelial proliferation and chronic inflammation at the uterine serosa and liver biopsy showed inactive cirrhosis. CONCLUSION: The patient was evaluated as sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis induced by the iaparoscopic clip acting as a foreign body. Due to the fact that the patient had FMF the immune response was probably exaggerated.

Surgical timing for primary encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Primary encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis(EPS)is a rare but devastating disease that causes fibrocollagenous cocoon-like encapsulation of the bowel,resulting in bowel obstruction.The pathogenesis,prevention,and treatment strategies of EPS remain unclear so far.Since most patients are diagnosed during exploratory laparotomy,for the non-surgically diagnosed patients with primary EPS,the surgical timing is also uncertain.CASE SUMMARY A 44-year-old female patient was referred to our center on September 6,2021,with complaints of abdominal distention and bilious vomiting for 2 d.Physical examination revealed that the vital signs were stable,and the abdomen was slightly distended.Computerized tomography scan showed a conglomerate of multiple intestinal loops encapsulated in a thick sac-like membrane,which was surrounded by abdominal ascites.The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic EPS.Recovery was observed after abdominal paracentesis,and the patient was discharged on September 13 after the resumption of a normal diet.This case raised a question:When should an exploratory laparotomy be performed on patients who are non-surgically diagnosed with EPS.As a result,we conducted a review of the literature on the clinical manifestations,intraoperative findings,surgical methods,and therapeutic effects of EPS.CONCLUSION Recurrent intestinal obstructions and abdominal mass combined with the imaging of encapsulated bowel are helpful in diagnosing idiopathic EPS.Small intestinal resection should be avoided.

Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis: A Rare Devastating Peritoneal Disease: Case Series and Literature Review

Background: Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is a rare but life-threatening condition in peritoneal dialysis. It is associated with extensive thickening and fibrosis of the peritoneum resulting in recurrent small bowel obstructions and malnutrition. Herein we present case series of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis diagnosed and treated in a large center of peritoneal dialysis in the State of Qatar followed by literature review to increase the awareness of physicians to it. Case Presentation: The data were collected retrospectively from 180 peritoneal dialysis patients at Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar, between 2008 and 2016. The diagnosis of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis was based on clinical and radiological features. Seven patients (3.8%) were diagnosed with encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis. The mean age of the patients was 49 years (range, 23 to 65 years). The mean duration of peritoneal dialysis was 6 years (range, 3 to 7 years). The mean peritonitis episodes were 1.8 (range 1 to 4 episodes). Five patients were diagnosed with encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis after stopping peritoneal dialysis, and two patients diagnosed while they were on peritoneal dialysis treatment. Five patients are still alive and were treated with oral prednisolone and tamoxifen. Two patients underwent adhesiolysis surgery, one of them died due to recurrent sepsis and malnutrition. Another patient died because of cardiac arrest during hemodialysis. The overall mortality rate was 28.5% in our series. Conclusions: Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is a rare and life-threatening peritoneal disease in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients. It requires high index of suspicion for early diagnosis and treatment.

Multidimensional Hybrid Architecture Encapsulating Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles into Carbon Nanotube Branched Nitrogen-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Networks for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lithium–sulfur batteries(LSBs)are regarded as promising candidates for the next-generation energy storage devices owing to their high-theoretical capacity(1675 mAh g^(−1))and affordable cost.However,several limitations of LSBs such as the lithium polysulfide shuttle,large volume expansion,and low electrical conductivity of sulfur need to be resolved for practical applications.To address these limitations,herein,a multidimensional architectured hybrid(Co@CNT/nG),where Co_(3)O_(4) nanoparticles are encapsulated into threedimensional(3D)porous N-doped reduced graphene oxide interconnected with carbon nanotube(CNT)branches,is synthesized through a simple pyrolysis method.The synergistic effect achieved through the homogeneously distributed and encapsulated Co_(3)O_(4) nanoparticles,the interconnected CNT branches,and the 3D hierarchical porous structure and N-doping of Co@CNT/nG significantly suppresses the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides and enhances the conversion redox kinetics for the improved sulfur utilization.We validate this effect through various measurements including symmetric cells,Li_(2)S nucleation,shuttle currents,Tafel slopes,diffusion coefficients,and post-mortem analyses.Importantly,Co@CNT/nG-70S-based LSB cells achieve a high-specific capacity of 1193.1 mAh g^(−1) at 0.1 C and a low capacity decay rate of 0.030%per cycle for 700 cycles at 5 C,delivering a high areal capacity of 5.62 mAh cm^(−2) even with a loading of 6.5 mg cm^(−2).

Concepts, processing, and recent developments in encapsulating essential oils

By the virtue of their olfactory,physicochemical,and biological characteristics,essential oils(EOs)have drawn wide attention as additives in daily chemicals like perfume or personal care products.Nevertheless,they are physicochemically unstable and susceptible to degradation or loss.Microencapsulation offers a feasible strategy to stabilize and prolong release of EO.This review summarizes the recognized benefits and functional properties of various preparation and characterization methods,wherein innovative fabrication strategies and their formation mechanisms are especially emphasized.Progress in combining detecting/measuring technologies with kinetic modelling are discussed,to give an integral approach of controlling the dynamic release of encapsulated EOs.Moreover,new development trends of EOs capsules are also highlighted.

Idiopathic sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis:Abdominal cocoon

Abdominal cocoon,the idiopathic form of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis,is a rare condition of unknown etiology that results in an intestinal obstruction due to total or partial encapsulation of the small bowel by a f ibrocollagenous membrane.Preoperative diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion.The early clinical features are nonspecif ic,are often not recognized and it is diff icult to make a def inite pre-operative diagnosis.Clinical suspicion may be generated by the recurrent episodes of small intestinal obstruction combined with relevant imaging f indings and lack of other plausible etiologies.The radiological diagnosis of abdominal cocoon may now be conf idently made on computed tomography scan.Surgery is important in the management of this disease.Careful dissection and excision of the thick sac with the release of the small intestine leads to complete recovery in the vast majority of cases.

Recent advances in calcium alginate hydrogels encapsulating rejuvenator for asphalt self-healing

The inherent self-healing ability of asphalt is insufficient and fails to timely repair the cracks due to the combined effect of temperature variation,air oxidation,ultraviolet exposure and traffic loading.Rejuvenator encapsulation based on self-healing asphalt is a green sustainable preventive maintenance technology for asphalt pavement.During the last decade,rejuvenator encapsulation for asphalt self-healing has been a research hotspot and calcium alginate hydrogels encapsulating rejuvenator is a promising self-healing technology.Hence,this review sheds light on the recent advances of calcium alginate hydrogels encapsulating asphalt rejuvenator including selfhealing capsules and fibers.The synthesis methods of calcium alginate capsules and fibers containing rejuvenator were elaborately introduced,and their surface morphology,interior structure,mechanical strength,thermal stability,rejuvenator content,distribution and survival in asphalt materials were systematically analyzed.Besides,the effect of capsules and fiber on the mechanical property and pavement performance of asphalt concrete were explored.Additionally,a comprehensive review about the effect of calcium alginate capsules and fibers on selfhealing ability of asphalt materials were presented,and the rejuvenator release mechanism and release ratio of them in asphalt mixtures were expounded.In a nutshell,this review aims at highlighting the current research achievements on alginate capsules and fibers containing rejuvenator in asphalt materials,and inspiring enhanced self-healing methods for smart and sustainable maintenance of asphalt pavement.

COMPARISON OF MATERIAL FOR ENCAPSULATING MINIMODULES

The main characteristics of glass, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbon ate (PC) were presented. The transmittance of glass, PMMA and PC was measured by the UV-VIS spectroscopy analysis. PMMA and PC have the advantages of higher tra nsparency, higher resistance and lower density. It is indicated that both PMMA a nd PC are suitable for encapsulating solar minimodules.

Self-assembly of Gradient Copolymer Synthesized by Spontaneous Batch RAFT Emulsion Polymerization and Its Application on Encapsulating Ag Nanoparticles

The gradient copolymers of acrylic acid and trifluoroethyl methacrylate（coded as P（TFEMAgrad-AA）） were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation transfer（RAFT） emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. The spontaneous batch feeding approach was used to control the gradient chain sequence. Transmission electron microscopy（TEM） analysis revealed that the P（TFEMA-grad-AA） can self-assemble to form spherical micelles, rodlike micelles or vesicles in selective solvents. Morphological transition of the P（TFEMA-grad-AA） micelles was sensitive to the water content of the dioxane/water mixed solvent. More interestingly, Ag nanoparticles（NPs） were encapsulated by the P（TFEMA-grad-AA） micelles during the selfassembly process. The gradient chain sequence made the Ag NPs easily enter the core of the micelles, even when P（TFEMA-grad-AA） had less hydrophobic fluoro-units and more hydrophilic units. TEM images with energy dispersive spectrometer indicated that the nanocomposite micelles consisted of a Ag NPs core and a gradient copolymer shell.

Dynamic mechanism for encapsulating two HIV replication inhibitor peptides with carbon nanotubes

Encapsulation of biomolecules inside a carbon nanotube （CNT） has attracted great interest because it could enable the delivery of nanoscale pharmaceutical drugs with CNT-based devices. Using a molecular dynamics simulation, we investigate the dynamic process by which human immunodeficiency virus （HIV） replication inhibitor peptides （HRIPs） are encapsulated in a water solution contained inside a CNT. The van der Waals attraction between the HRIPs and the CNT and the root-mean-square deviation are used to analyse the evolution of the encapsulation. It is found that the interaction between the HRIPs and the CNT is the main driving force for the encapsulation process, which does not cause an obvious conformational change to the HRIPs.

Fatty Acid/Expanded Graphite Encapsulating Form-Stable Phase Change Materials for Energy Storage

The lauric-myristic-palmitic acid( LA-MA-PA) ternary eutectic mixtures/expanded graphite( EG) composite phase change materials( PCMs) were prepared by absorbing LA-MA-PA into the porous network of EG. The optimum ratio of ternary eutectic mixtures to EG was determined to be 93∶7 without liquid LA-MA-PA leakage from the composite PCMs. In order to make the structure more stable, the composite PCMs were encapsulated by surface treatment agent to prepare LA-MA-PA/EG encapsulating form-stable PCMs which were characterized by scanning electron microscope( SEM),Fourier transformation infrared spectroscope( FT-IR),differential scanning calorimetry( DSC) and thermal treatment. The results showed there was no chemical reaction between surface treatment agent and LA-MA-PA,and the samples were compactly encapsulated which left almost no imprint on the filter paper after thermal treatment. The phase change temperature and latent heat of LA-MA-PA/EG encapsulating form-stable PCMs were tested to be29. 32 ℃ and 96. 20 J/g,respectively. Additionally,the heat transfer efficiency of heat storage was improved by the addition of EG.

Heat transfer enhanced inorganic phase change material compositing carbon nanotubes for battery thermal management and thermal runaway propagation mitigation

Developing technologies that can be applied simultaneously in battery thermal management(BTM)and thermal runaway(TR)mitigation is significant to improving the safety of lithium-ion battery systems.Inorganic phase change material(PCM)with nonflammability has the potential to achieve this dual function.This study proposed an encapsulated inorganic phase change material(EPCM)with a heat transfer enhancement for battery systems,where Na_(2)HPO_(4)·12H_(2)O was used as the core PCM encapsulated by silica and the additive of carbon nanotube(CNT)was applied to enhance the thermal conductivity.The microstructure and thermal properties of the EPCM/CNT were analyzed by a series of characterization tests.Two different incorporating methods of CNT were compared and the proper CNT adding amount was also studied.After preparation,the battery thermal management performance and TR propagation mitigation effects of EPCM/CNT were further investigated on the battery modules.The experimental results of thermal management tests showed that EPCM/CNT not only slowed down the temperature rising of the module but also improved the temperature uniformity during normal operation.The peak battery temperature decreased from 76℃to 61.2℃at 2 C discharge rate and the temperature difference was controlled below 3℃.Moreover,the results of TR propagation tests demonstrated that nonflammable EPCM/CNT with good heat absorption could work as a TR barrier,which exhibited effective mitigation on TR and TR propagation.The trigger time of three cells was successfully delayed by 129,474 and 551 s,respectively and the propagation intervals were greatly extended as well.

Research on the Encapsulation Device for Lunar Samples

The encapsulation of lunar samples is a core research area in the third phase of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program.The seal assembly,opening and closing mechanism(OCM),and locking mechanism are the core components of the encapsulation device of the lunar samples,and the requirements of a tight seal,lightweight,and low power make the design of these core components difficult.In this study,a combined sealing assembly,OCM,and locking mechanism were investigated for the device.The sealing architecture consists of rubber and an Ag-In alloy,and a theory was built to analyze the seal.Experiments of the electroplate Au coating on the knife-edge revealed that the hermetic seal can be significantly improved.The driving principle for coaxial double-helical pairs was investigated and used to design the OCM.Moreover,a locking mechanism was created using an electric initiating explosive device with orifice damping.By optimizing the design,the output parameters were adjusted to meet the requirements of the lunar explorer.The experimental results showed that the helium leak rate of the test pieces were not more than 5×10^(-11) Pa·m^(3)·s^(-1),the minimum power of the OCM was 0.3 W,and the total weight of the principle prototype was 2.9 kg.The explosive driven locking mechanism has low impact.This investigation solved the difficulties in achieving tight seal,light weight,and low power for the lunar explorer,and the results can also be used to explore other extraterrestrial objects in the future.

Coupled bio-chemo-hydro-mechanical modeling of microbially induced calcite precipitation process considering biomass encapsulation using a micro-scale relationship

Geomaterials with inferior hydraulic and strength characteristics often need improvement to enhance their engineering behaviors.Traditional ground improvement techniques require enormous mechanical effort or synthetic chemicals.Sustainable stabilization technique such as microbially induced calcite precipitation(MICP)utilizes bacterial metabolic processes to precipitate cementitious calcium carbonate.The reactive transport of biochemical species in the soil mass initiates the precipitation of biocement during the MICP process.The precipitated biocement alters the hydro-mechanical performance of the soil mass.Usually,the flow,deformation,and transport phenomena regulate the biocementation technique via coupled bio-chemo-hydro-mechanical(BCHM)processes.Among all,one crucial phenomenon controlling the precipitation mechanism is the encapsulation of biomass by calcium carbonate.Biomass encapsulation can potentially reduce the biochemical reaction rate and decelerate biocementation.Laboratory examination of the encapsulation process demands a thorough analysis of associated coupled effects.Despite this,a numerical model can assist in capturing the coupled processes influencing encapsulation during the MICP treatment.However,most numerical models did not consider biochemical reaction rate kinetics accounting for the influence of bacterial encapsulation.Given this,the current study developed a coupled BCHM model to evaluate the effect of encapsulation on the precipitated calcite content using a micro-scale semiempirical relationship.Firstly,the developed BCHM model was verified and validated using numerical and experimental observations of soil column tests.Later,the encapsulation phenomenon was investigated in the soil columns of variable maximum calcite crystal sizes.The results depict altered reaction rates due to the encapsulation phenomenon and an observable change in the precipitated calcite content for each maximum crystal size.Furthermore,the permeability and deformation of the soil mass were affected by the simultaneous precipitation of calcium carbonate.Overall,the present study comprehended the influence of the encapsulation of bacteria on cement morphology-induced permeability,biocement-induced stresses and displacements.