Abstract: A distillation and desalination system can include a refrigeration unit, a distillation unit, and a vacuum source positioned in the refrigeration unit. The distillation unit may include a distillation chamber containing a saline liquid and a headspace above the saline liquid, the headspace comprising a gas. The vacuum source may include a first chamber defining a first chamber volume, where gas transport is permitted into and out of the first chamber and the first chamber is fluidically coupled to the headspace of the distillation unit, and a second chamber defining a second chamber volume, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are fluidically isolated.

Abstract: A distillation and desalination system can include a refrigeration unit, a distillation unit, and a vacuum source positioned in the refrigeration unit. The distillation unit may include a distillation chamber containing a saline liquid and a headspace above the saline liquid, the headspace comprising a gas. The vacuum source may include a first chamber defining a first chamber volume, where gas transport is permitted into and out of the first chamber and the first chamber is fluidically coupled to the headspace of the distillation unit, and a second chamber defining a second chamber volume, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are fluidically isolated.

Abstract: A distillation and desalination system can include a refrigeration unit, a distillation unit, and a vacuum source positioned in the refrigeration unit. The distillation unit may include a distillation chamber containing a saline liquid and a headspace above the saline liquid, the headspace comprising a gas. The vacuum source may include a first chamber defining a first chamber volume, where gas transport is permitted into and out of the first chamber and the first chamber is fluidically coupled to the headspace of the distillation unit, and a second chamber defining a second chamber volume, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are fluidically isolated.

Abstract: A distillation and desalination system can include a refrigeration unit and a vacuum source positioned in the refrigeration unit. The vacuum source can include a first chamber defining a first chamber volume, a second chamber defining a second chamber volume, a flexible diaphragm dividing the first chamber and the second chamber; and a check valve permitting gas transport into and out of the first chamber, the check valve comprising an inlet and an outlet. The system can also include a distillation unit having a distillation chamber, a saline liquid in the distillation chamber, and a headspace above the saline liquid, the headspace comprising a gas. The inlet of the check valve can be fluidically coupled to the headspace of the distillation unit.

Abstract: A distillation and desalination system can include a refrigeration unit and a vacuum source positioned in the refrigeration unit. The vacuum source can include a first chamber defining a first chamber volume, a second chamber defining a second chamber volume, a flexible diaphragm dividing the first chamber and the second chamber; and a check valve permitting gas transport into and out of the first chamber, the check valve comprising an inlet and an outlet. The system can also include a distillation unit having a distillation chamber, a saline liquid in the distillation chamber, and a headspace above the saline liquid, the headspace comprising a gas. The inlet of the check valve can be fluidically coupled to the headspace of the distillation unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of diagnosing and treating a malignant adrenocortical tumor, including adrenocortical carcinoma. In some examples, methods of diagnosing a malignant adrenocortical tumor include measuring creatine riboside, L-tryptophan, N?,N?,N?-trimethyl-L-lysine and 3-methylhistidine in a biological sample obtained from a subject with an adrenocortical tumor and identifying an increase in creatine riboside and a decrease in L-tryptophan, N?,N?,N?-trimethyl-L-lysine and 3-methylhistidine in the biological sample when compared to a control or reference value for each molecule indicates a malignant adrenocortical tumor. Methods of treatment and evaluating the effectiveness of an agent for treating a malignant adrenocortical tumor are also disclosed. Additionally, kits, assays and devices for characterizing adrenocortical tumors are provided.