COSMAS

COSMAS automates analysis of optical mapping recordings to extract activation and conduction velocity maps, quantify action potential duration and calcium transient duration, and perform S1-S2 protocol and alternans analyses for cardiac electrophysiology research.

Key Features:

• Automated Data Analysis: Automates processing of large optical mapping datasets, including recordings that can span several gigabytes from single-heart or cell-culture experiments.
• Activation and Conduction Mapping: Generates detailed activation maps and conduction velocity maps for spatial characterization of electrical propagation.
• Action Potential and Calcium Transient Analysis: Quantifies action potential duration (APD) and calcium transient duration (CaTD) from optical signals.
• S1-S2 Protocol and Alternans Mapping: Implements S1-S2 protocol analysis and alternans mapping for restitution and alternans studies.
• 'Comb' Algorithm Segmentation: Uses the 'comb' algorithm to segment action potentials and calcium transients with high resistance to noise.
• Extensibility and Customization: Modular architecture enabling extension and addition of custom analysis routines.

Scientific Applications:

• Experimental Cardiology: Characterizing membrane potential and calcium transient dynamics in cardiac tissue.
• Arrhythmia Research: Mapping arrhythmogenic substrates and conduction abnormalities to study arrhythmia mechanisms.
• Pharmacological Assessment: Assessing drug effects on action potentials and calcium handling in cardiac preparations.
• Protocol-based Electrophysiology Studies: Investigating restitution, inducibility, and alternans dynamics using S1-S2 protocols and alternans mapping.

Methodology:

Automated processing of optical mapping recordings; segmentation of action potentials and calcium transients using the 'comb' algorithm; generation of activation and conduction velocity maps; computation of action potential duration and calcium transient duration; S1-S2 protocol analysis and alternans mapping, with emphasis on robustness to noise.