Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus, the apparatus including, in some embodiments, an elongate member of protective material having a width corresponding to a circumference of a heel and a height corresponding to a height of the heel, and a plurality of joints formed in the elongate member, each joint provided to form an angled juncture in the elongate member such that the elongate member correlates to a shape of the heel and protects the circumference and height of the heel.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus, the apparatus including, in some embodiments, a first elongate member having a resilient front surface, a first clamp located at a first end of the first elongate member, a second elongate member coupled to and adjustably engaged with said first elongate member, the second elongate member having a resilient front surface, a second clamp located at a first end of the second elongate member, a magnetic material connected to a rear surface of the first elongate member and the second elongate member, and a lock mechanism integrated into at least one of the first and the second elongate members to selectively secure a relative position of the coupled and adjustably engaged first and second elongate members.

Abstract: Toxin derivatives are prepared by proteolytic treatment of holotoxin, and their toxicity is reduced by contacting the preparation with a ligand, which can be a metal or an antibody or another ligand. This ligand selectively binds to the toxin but not to the toxin derivative. Removing the ligand and toxin bound to the ligand further reduces toxicity. A second ligand is used to remove conjugates of the toxin and the first ligand. Compositions contain the purified derivative, optionally plus the toxin and the ligand.