Does bilateral Wilms' tumor involving the collecting system in children have a worse prognosis?

BACKGROUND: The literature on nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) in children with bilateral Wilms' tumors (BWT) involving the collection system is mostly comprised of case reports. The present study aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics, treatments, and prognosis of children with BWT involving the collecting system admitted to our pediatric surgery center compared with those whose tumors did not involve the collecting system. A secondary aim was to discuss how to preserve more kidney parenchyma and prevent long-term renal failure under the premise of preventing tumor recurrence. METHODS: Patients with BWT admitted to our pediatric surgery center between January 2008 and June 2022 were reviewed. All included patients were grouped according to the relationship between the tumor and collecting system according to the intraoperative findings. Group I included children with tumor infiltrating the collecting system, group II included children with tumor growing into the collecting system, and group III included children whose tumor did not involve the collecting system. The clinical features, treatments and prognosis of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy patients were enrolled, including 20 patients with 25 sides of tumors infiltrating the collecting system in group I,10 patients with 13 sides of tumors growing into the collecting system in group II, and 40 patients in group III. There was no significant difference in patients age and gender between group I and group II. In total, 20 patients in group I and 9 patients in group II had partial response (PR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In group I, 22 of 25 sides of tumors underwent NSS; in group II, 11 of 13 sides of tumors underwent NSS. During an average follow-up of 47 months, in group I, 6/20 patients relapsed and 2/20 patients died; in group II, 3/10 patients relapsed and 1/10 patient died. There was no significant difference in 4-year overall survival (OS) rate among groups I, II and III (86.36% vs. 85.71%vs. 91.40%, P = 0.902). CONCLUSIONS: To preserve renal parenchyma, NSS is feasible for children with BWT involving the collecting system. There was no significant difference in postoperative long-term OS between patients with BWT involving the collecting system and not involving the collecting system.

Treatment of bilateral Wilms' tumor in children: how to improve the application of nephron-sparing surgery.

PURPOSE: To summarize the experience of nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) for bilateral Wilms tumors (BWT) in children. METHODS: This study included children with BWT admitted to our hospital between January 2008 and June 2022. The details of the treatments and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: In all, 70 patients (39 males and 31 females) were enrolled, including 66 patients with synchronous tumors and 4 patients with metachronous tumors. The median age at diagnosis was 13 (3-75) months. Overall, 59 patients received preoperative chemotherapy and 45.8% (54/118) of the 118 sides of WT achieved a partial response (PR). Of the 70 patients, 48 (68.6%) underwent bilateral NSS and 22 (31.4%) underwent unilateral NSS and contralateral total nephrectomy. The proportion of bilateral NSS in the preoperative chemotherapy group was significantly higher than in the non-chemotherapy group (P = 0.031). Additionally, there were 26, 25, 14, and 5 cases of stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV, respectively. Among the 70 children, 16 had a recurrence, and 8 died. The 4 years EFS and OS were 67.9% and 89.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term survival rates of patients with BWT improved. Hence, preoperative chemotherapy should be administered to enhance the use of NSS in BWT.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of (2S,2'S)-Lomaiviticin A.

(-)-Lomaiviticin A (1) is a genotoxic C2-symmetric metabolite that arises from the formal dimerization of two bis(glycosylated) diazotetrahydrobenzo[b]fluorenes. Here we present a synthesis of the monomer 17 and its coupling to form (2S,2'S)-lomaiviticin A (4), an unnatural diastereomer of 1. (2S,2'S)-Lomaiviticin A (4) is significantly less genotoxic, a result we attribute to changes in the orientation of the diazofluorene and carbohydrate residues, relative to 1. These data bring the importance of the configuration of the conjoining bond to light and place the total synthesis of 1 itself within reach.

Testis-Preserving Tumor Enucleation Is Applicable in Children with Immature Testicular Teratoma.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the biological characteristics of immature testicular teratoma in children and explored the feasibility of testis-preserving tumor enucleation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 23 children who received a pathologic diagnosis of immature testicular teratoma between January 2005 and December 2018. Ages ranged from 16 days to 13 months (mean: 6 months and 5 days). Painless testicular enlargement was the main clinical manifestation, and the course of disease ranged from 20 days to 4 months (mean: 1.4 months). The tumor volume ranged from 1.5 × 1.2 × 0.5 to 6 × 5 × 4.5 cm. Elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein were measured in 21 patients. Preoperative ultrasound examination showed a cystic/solid mass with calcification. RESULTS: Excision of the affected testis was done in 10 patients and testis-preserving tumor excision in 13 patients. Postoperative chemotherapy was not employed. Nineteen patients were followed up for 1-10 years, and all showed disease-free survival without recurrence or metastasis. CONCLUSION: Immature testicular teratoma is found predominantly in children aged <1 year, and its biological characteristics are different from those in adults. Immature testicular teratoma is largely benign in children and can be managed by testis-preserving tumor enucleation, as for other benign tumors (such as mature teratoma). Postoperative monitoring and follow-up are necessary.

Structural basis for DNA cleavage by the potent antiproliferative agent (-)-lomaiviticin A.

(-)-Lomaiviticin A (1) is a complex antiproliferative metabolite that inhibits the growth of many cultured cancer cell lines at low nanomolar-picomolar concentrations. (-)-Lomaiviticin A (1) possesses a C2-symmetric structure that contains two unusual diazotetrahydrobenzo[b]fluorene (diazofluorene) functional groups. Nucleophilic activation of each diazofluorene within 1 produces vinyl radical intermediates that affect hydrogen atom abstraction from DNA, leading to the formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Certain DNA DSB repair-deficient cell lines are sensitized toward 1, and 1 is under evaluation in preclinical models of these tumor types. However, the mode of binding of 1 to DNA had not been determined. Here we elucidate the structure of a 1:1 complex between 1 and the duplex d(GCTATAGC)2 by NMR spectroscopy and computational modeling. Unexpectedly, we show that both diazofluorene residues of 1 penetrate the duplex. This binding disrupts base pairing leading to ejection of the central AT bases, while placing the proreactive centers of 1 in close proximity to each strand. DNA binding may also enhance the reactivity of 1 toward nucleophilic activation through steric compression and conformational restriction (an example of shape-dependent catalysis). This study provides a structural basis for the DNA cleavage activity of 1, will guide the design of synthetic DNA-activated DNA cleavage agents, and underscores the utility of natural products to reveal novel modes of small molecule-DNA association.

Englerins: A Comprehensive Review.

In the decade since the discovery of englerin A (1) and its potent activity in cancer models, this natural product and its analogues have been the subject of numerous chemical, biological, and preclinical studies by many research groups. This review summarizes published findings and proposes further research directions required for entry of an englerin analogue into clinical trials for kidney cancer and other conditions.

Synthesis of a stable and orally bioavailable englerin analogue.

Synthesis of analogues of englerin A with a reduced propensity for hydrolysis of the glycolate moiety led to a compound which possessed the renal cancer cell selectivity of the parent and was orally bioavailable in mice.

Bone morphogenetic protein-10 induces cardiomyocyte proliferation and improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction.

Heart disease is among the leading causes of death worldwide, and the limited proliferation of mammalian cardiomyocytes prevents heart regeneration in response to injury. Bone morphogenetic protein-10 (BMP10) exerts multiple roles in various developmental events; however, the effect of BMP10 and the underlying mechanism involved in cardiac repair remains unclear. After stimulation with the recombinant BMP10, an obvious dose-dependent cardiomyocyte proliferation and reentry of differentiated mammalian cardiomyocytes into the cell cycle was observed. Furthermore, BMP10 stimulation strikingly enhanced Tbx20 expression. Further analysis demonstrated that T-box 20 (Tbx20) was involved in BMP10-induced proliferation of differentiated cardiomyocytes as preconditioning with Tbx20 siRNA significantly attenuated BMP10-induced DNA synthesis. In vivo, BMP10 induced rat cardiomyocyte DNA synthesis and cytokinesis. After myocardial infarction (MI), BMP10 stimulated cardiomyocyte cell-cycle reentry and mitosis, resulting in the decrease of infarct size and improvement of cardiac repair. Taken together, these data indicated that BMP10 stimulated cardiomyocyte proliferation and repaired cardiac function after heart injury. Consequently, BMP10 may be a potential target for innovative strategies against heart failure.

Can digital finance development drive green transformation in manufacturing? Evidence from China.

Digital finance is a product of emerging technology-enabled innovation in financial services and has a critical impact on the green transformation of the manufacturing industry. We propose a new efficiency measurement model based on the slacks-based measure (SBM) to measure the efficiency of green transformation on regional manufacturing. Chinese interprovincial data from 2010 to 2019 were obtained for the study. In addition, we estimated the effect of digital finance on green transformation of manufacturing using a benchmark panel model. Finally, considering the regional heterogeneity and spatial effects of green transformation efficiency in the manufacturing industry, we constructed a spatial Durbin model based on an economic-geographic nested spatial weight matrix to analyze the spatial influence of digital finance on green transformation in the manufacturing industry. The results show that the green transformation of the manufacturing industry has significant positive spatial spillover effects owing to the existence of competition, demonstration, and economic correlation effects among regions.

A radiomics nomogram for preoperative prediction of nephron-sparing surgery in patients with bilateral Wilms tumor.

Background: Bilateral Wilms tumor (BWT) is a relatively rare malignant renal tumor in children. Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is the preferred surgical approach for treating BWT, but lacks uniform surgical indications worldwide. This study aimed to summarize the clinical and imaging features of BWT children, establish a radiomics nomogram, and predict the feasibility of NSS for improving outcomes. Methods: A 12-year retrospective single-center review was conducted on clinical data and preoperative imaging features of BWT patients. The tumor kidneys were divided into NSS and non-NSS groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors and develop a prediction model of the feasibility of NSS in BWT patients. A radiomics nomogram was constructed and internally validated by the parametric bootstrapping method. Results: A total of 58 BWT patients (115 renal units) were included in this study. After evaluations based on preoperative imaging and clinical data, 94 renal units underwent NSS with negative resection margins and were included in the NSS group, whereas 16 renal units with positive resection margins, macroscopic residual, or total nephrectomies were included in the non-NSS group. Tumor size [odds ratio (OR): 0.540, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.308-0.945], relationship with the collecting system (OR: 0.013, 95% CI: 0.0004-0.370), and remaining renal parenchyma (RRP) proportion (OR: 71.23, 95% CI: 1.632-3108.8) were identified as independent predictors for NSS. A nomogram was constructed based on these factors, which demonstrated great consistency between the predicted and observed feasibility of NSS. The model presented with good discriminative ability [area under the curve (AUC), 0.982]. The decision curve analysis (DCA) revealed the clinical usefulness of the model. Conclusions: This study analyzed the clinical and preoperative imaging data of BWT patients and identified three independent predictors for the feasibility of NSS, including tumor size, relationship with the collecting system, and residual renal parenchyma proportion. The radiomics nomogram established in this study can provide individualized predictions to assist clinicians in making better decisions and improving patient outcomes.

A flexible wearable self-supporting hybrid supercapacitor device based on hierarchical nickel cobalt sulfide@C electrode.

A flexible wearable electrode consisting of nickel-cobalt sulfide (NCS) nanowires was fabricated in this study. Self-supporting NCS was grown in situ on porous carbon nanofibers without a binder as a novel material for supercapacitor electrodes. The NCS nanowires were grown using cyclic voltammetry electrodeposition, which proved to be a fast and environmentally friendly method with good controllability of the material structure. One-dimensional carbon nanofibers (C) have high surface-area-to-volume ratios, short ion transmission distances, excellent mechanical strengths, and remarkable flexibilities. Moreover, the NCS@C flexible electrode exhibited a synergetic effect with the active compounds, and the dense active sites were uniformly distributed across the entire surface of the carbon fibers, enabling rapid electron transport and enhancing the electrochemical properties of the NCS@C nanowires. The NCS@C achieved specific capacitances of 334.7 and 242.0 mAh g-1 at a current density of 2 A g-1 and high current densities (up to 40 A g-1), respectively, corresponding to a 72.3% retention rate. An NCS@C-nanofilm-based cathode and an activated-carbon-based anode were used to fabricate a flexible asymmetric supercapacitor. The device exhibited high energy and power densities of 12.91 Wh kg-1 and 358 W kg-1, respectively.

Hydronephrosis in pediatric horseshoe kidneys: a comparative analysis of open and laparoscopic pyeloplasty and the influence of obstruction causes.

Background: Horseshoe kidney (HSK) represents a unique challenge for performing pyeloplasty due to its anomalous anatomy. Our study aimed to report our results in treating children with hydronephrosis in HSK and to investigate the differences in prognosis based on the cause of obstruction and the surgical approach. We also aimed to share our experiences by characterizing the success rates and complications after surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of hydronephrosis patients with HSK who were treated with pyeloplasty from August 2009 to June 2022. The patients were grouped according to different surgical methods and causes of obstruction, and then the clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Thirty-one patients were included in this retrospective cohort observational study, and surgical success was achieved in 80.6% (25/31) of patients. There was no significant difference in complications between open pyeloplasty (OP) and laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) groups (2/16 vs. 4/15, P=0.374). At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, both OP and LP groups experienced a decrease in anteroposterior pelvic diameter (APD) and the ratio of APD to the thickness of renal parenchyma (P/C ratio), accompanied by an increase in renal parenchymal thickness. Two patients of reobstruction were caused by missed crossing vessels in primary operation. The success rate of patients with crossing vessels (62.5%) was significantly lower than that of patients without crossing vessels (100%) (P=0.018). Conclusions: Our study found that intrinsic obstruction, crossing vessels, and high insertion were the main causes of hydronephrosis in HSK, with missed crossing vessels being the primary cause of reobstruction. Our results demonstrate that both OP and LP are safe and effective in treating hydronephrosis in HSK patients.

Development of enantioselective synthetic routes to (-)-kinamycin F and (-)-lomaiviticin aglycon.

The development of enantioselective synthetic routes to (-)-kinamycin F (9) and (-)-lomaiviticin aglycon (6) are described. The diazotetrahydrobenzo[b]fluorene (diazofluorene) functional group of the targets was prepared by fluoride-mediated coupling of a ß-trimethylsilylmethyl-α,ß-unsaturated ketone (38) with an oxidized naphthoquinone (19), palladium-catalyzed cyclization (39→37), and diazo transfer (37→53). The D-ring precursors 60 and 68 were prepared from m-cresol and 3-ethylphenol, respectively. Coupling of the ß-trimethylsilylmethyl-α,ß-unsaturated ketone 60 with the juglone derivative 61, cyclization, and diazo transfer provided the advanced diazofluorene 63, which was elaborated to (-)-kinamycin F (9) in three steps. The diazofluorene 87 was converted to the C(2)-symmetric lomaiviticin aglycon precursor 91 by enoxysilane formation and oxidative dimerization with manganese tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonate) (94, 26%). The stereochemical outcome in the coupling is attributed to the steric bias engendered by the mesityl acetal of 87 and contact ion pairing of the intermediates. The coupling product 91 was deprotected (tert-butylhydrogen peroxide, trifluoroacetic acid-dichloromethane) to form mixtures of the chain isomer of lomaiviticin aglycon 98 and the ring isomer 6. These mixtures converged on purification or standing to the ring isomer 6 (39-41% overall). The scope of the fluoride-mediated coupling process is delineated (nine products, average yield = 72%); a related enoxysilane quinonylation reaction is also described (10 products, average yield = 77%). We establish that dimeric diazofluorenes undergo hydrodediazotization 2-fold faster than related monomeric diazofluorenes. This enhanced reactivity may underlie the cytotoxic effects of (-)-lomaiviticin A (1). The simple diazofluorene 103 is a potent inhibitor of ovarian cancer stem cells (IC(50) = 500 nM).

Quantitative assessment of renal perfusion in children with UPJO by contrast enhanced ultrasound: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a new potential modality for the quantitative evaluation of the microvascular perfusion of a parenchymal organ. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively and quantitatively analyse the role of CEUS in evaluating renal perfusion for assessing renal function in children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). METHODS: The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from the patients' parents or guardians. Ultrasonography, CEUS, and radioisotope renography were performed for 51 children (42 boys, 9 girls; mean age, 6.75 ± 4.14 years) with unilateral UPJO. The slope of the ascending curve (A), time to peak (TTP), peak intensity (PI), and area under the curve (AUC) were recorded during CEUS; quantitative data were calculated by QLab system (semiautomated border tracking, Philips Healthcare) software. Sensitivity and specificity values were determined for CEUS with respect to radioisotope renography. RESULTS: CEUS was used to evaluate 102 kidneys in 51 patients, for which the perfusion time-intensity curve (TIC) was determined. The TIC of renal cortical perfusion in all groups showed an asymmetrical single-peak curve, which could be clearly distinguished between the experimental group and the control group. Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed a markedly prolonged TTP but a significantly decreased A (P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the AUC, PI and differential renal function (DRF), but the correlation coefficient between TTP, A and DRF remained significant (p < 0.001).The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves drawn to differentiate DRF using the TTP value yielded an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.86. For a quantitative assessment of DRF less than 40% by CEUS, the sensitivity and specificity values were 92.86% and 76.14%, respectively. DISCUSSION: Unlike in previous studies, no significant difference in the AUC or PI was found between the control group and the experimental group in this study (P > 0.05). Renal blood perfusion could not be evaluated overall by CEUS. Parenchymal thinning may be considered a limitation to CEUS. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience represents the first report of evaluating the diagnostic value of CEUS in assessing renal function in children with UPJO. CEUS is a highly sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic imaging modality for detecting and monitoring renal function noninvasively.

Phenotype expansion of variants affecting p38 MAPK signaling in hypospadias patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly of the male urogenital system. Genetics factors play an important role in its pathogenesis. To search for potential causal genes/variants for hypospadias, we performed exome sequencing in a pedigree with three patients across two generations and a cohort of 49 sporadic patients with hypospadias. RESULTS: A novel BRAF variant (NM_004333.6: c.362C > A) was found to co-segregate with the hypospadias phenotype in the disease pedigree. In cells overexpressing the BRAF mutant, the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK was significantly increased as compared with the cells overexpressing the wild-type BRAF or RASopathy-related BRAF mutant. This variant further led to a reduced transcription level of the SRY gene, which is essential for the normal development of the male reproductive system. In the cohort of sporadic patients, we identified two additional variants in p38 MAPK signaling-related genes (TRIM67 and DAB2IP) potentially associated with hypospadias. CONCLUSION: Our study expands the phenotypic spectrum of variants affecting p38 MAPK signaling toward the involvement of hypospadias.

A brief synthesis of (-)-englerin A.

Englerins A and B are guaiane sesquiterpenes that were isolated from the bark of Phyllanthus engleri, a plant indigenous to east Africa. The englerins consist of a 5-6-5 fused tricyclic structure with an ether bridge and two ester-bearing stereogenic centers, including a highly unusual glycolate residue. Englerin A is a potent and selective inhibitor of the growth of six human renal cancer cell lines. We report herein an efficient, eight-step synthesis of englerin A that leverages simple carbonyl-enabled carbon-carbon bond formations. Our route is amenable to the production of a diverse series of analogues for structure-function studies and determination of the mode of action of these natural products.

Total synthesis of plakortide E and biomimetic synthesis of plakortone B.

The total synthesis of plakortide E (1a) is reported. A novel palladium-catalyzed approach towards 1,2-dioxolanes as well as an alternative substrate-controlled route leading exclusively to cis-highly substituted 1,2-dioxolanes have been developed. A lipase-catalyzed kinetic resolution was employed to provide optically pure 1,2-dioxolane central cores. Coupling of the central cores and side chains was achieved by a modified Negishi reaction. All four isomeric structures of plakortide E methyl ester, namely, 26a-d were synthesized. One of the structures, 26d, was shown to be identical with the natural plakortide E methyl ester on the basis of (1)H, (13)C NMR spectra and specific rotation comparisons. With the plakortide E methyl ester (4S,6R,10R)-(-)-cis-26d and its other three isomers in hand, we successfully converted them into (3S,4S,6R,10R)-plakortone B (2a), and its isomers ent-2a, 2b and ent-2b via an intramolecular oxa-Michael addition/lactonization cascade reaction. Finally, saponification converted 1,2-dioxolane 26d into plakortide E (1a) whose absolute configuration (4S,6R,10R) was confirmed by comparison of spectral and physical data with those reported.

Chinese herb feed additives improved the growth performance, meat quality, and nutrient digestibility parameters of pigs.

BACKGROUND: Since the use of antibiotics in animal feed has become a critical concern worldwide due to severe threats to human health and environment, we are in need of finding alternatives to antibiotics in pig breeding, maintaining the health of pigs, and getting high-quality pork. As traditional Chinese herbs (TCH) are rich natural resources in China and show great benefits to human health we propose to transfer this abundant resource into animal production industry as additives. METHODS: Three groups of Chinese herbs (groups A, B, and C) were used as feed additives in the diet for pigs. In total 32 pigs were arranged in four groups (groups A, B, C, and control group, NC), fed in the same facility, eight pigs (one group) in each colony, free drinking, for 120 days. The feed:gain ratio (F/G), meat quality, total protein, and amino acid concentration of muscle were checked in the experiments. RESULTS: After 120 days of feeding, the feed:gain ratio (F/G) of pigs in groups A, B, and C was decreased 17.56%, 9.31%, and 13.86% compared with NC treatment, respectively. The diets supplemented with Chinese herbs improved meat quality, increased loin eye area (especially group A and C showed significant difference, P < .001), the total protein (increased ratio vs NC was A = 4.54%, B = 0.38% and C = 3.53%), amino acid concentration of muscle, increased the villus height:crypt depth ratio, and induced positive effects on serum biochemical parameters and immune function (serum TC and TG concentrations were significantly lower than those in the NC group, P < .05.). CONCLUSIONS: The use of Chinese herbal feed additives can reduce the cost of pig breeding and produce high-quality pock. The combination of these effects would contribute to better absorption ability of the intestinal tract and yield a better growth performance.

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation mimicking lung cancer: A case report.

RATIONALE: Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is a rare developmental deformity of the lower respiratory tract. The disease occurs more in newborns. However, on rare occasions, CPAM can be found in adults. Radiologic features of CPAM include cystic or solid mass pattern. In an elderly patient, CPAM can be easily misdiagnosed as lung cancer. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 66-year old woman was admitted with complaints of chronic cough, expectoration. Her past history was unremarkable with no history of tuberculosis or smoking. Physical examination was normal. Computerized tomography of the chest showed an irregular cystic lesion in right lower lobe. DIAGNOSIS: Histopathological results confirmed the diagnosis of CPAM. INTERVENTION: The right pulmonary wedge resection was performed via thoracoscopic surgery. OUTCOMES: On follow up 1 year later, the patient is asymptomatic. LESSONS: CPAM is rare in adults, and imaging cannot accurately distinguish CPAM from thin-walled cystic lung cancer. Hence, histopathology is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis.

Coix seed improves growth performance and productivity in post-weaning pigs by reducing gut pH and modulating gut microbiota.

Coix seed has traditionally been used in traditional Chinese medicine to fortify the spleen and inhibit dampness, and has shown anticancer effects in humans. However, it is not known whether coix seed improves post-weaning growth performance and productivity, and the mechanism of interaction between coix seed and gut microbiota remains unknown. In this study, we established four groups: (i) control, (ii) antibiotic-fed, (iii) coix seed powder-fed, and (iv) coix seed extract-fed. The feeding experiment was conducted for 4 weeks. Coix seed extract significantly increased average weight gain and reduced the feed/meat ratio in weaned pigs, in addition to reducing the pH of their gastric juice. Further assays demonstrated that coix seed promotes an increase in the density and length of the gastrointestinal villi. Next, 16s sequencing of gut microbiota showed that coix seed significantly increased the abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and genus Lactobacillus (p < 0.05) and reduced the abundance of phylum Prevotella (p < 0.05) in the gut microbiota. In contrast, the abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and genus Lactobacillus decreased in the control group and antibiotic group, whereas the abundance of phylum Prevotella increased. Our findings indicate that coix seed improves growth performance and productivity in post-weaning pigs by reducing the pH value of gastric juice, increasing the density and length of gastrointestinal villi, and modulating gut microbiota. Thus, coix seed has good potential for use as a feed supplement in swine production.