
Parallel Literature Search
- 27 installs
- 5 repo stars
- Updated June 18, 2026
- drshailesh88/integrated_content_os
Searches PubMed, Perplexity web, and a RAG knowledge base simultaneously, then synthesizes the findings into one cited summary for clinical questions.
About
Runs literature searches across PubMed, Perplexity, and an AstraDB RAG knowledge base in parallel and merges results into a single coherent summary. A developer uses it for fast evidence gathering on clinical questions in 30-60 seconds.
- Queries three sources at once versus sequential search
- Synthesizes PMIDs, web summaries, and RAG excerpts with citations
Parallel Literature Search by the numbers
- 27 all-time installs (skills.sh)
- Ranked #1,134 of 2,065 Data Science & ML skills by installs in the Skillselion catalog
- Data as of Jul 29, 2026 (Skillselion catalog sync)
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| Installs | 27 |
|---|---|
| repo stars | ★ 5 |
| Last updated | June 18, 2026 |
| Repository | drshailesh88/integrated_content_os ↗ |
What it does
Searches PubMed, Perplexity web, and a RAG knowledge base simultaneously, then synthesizes the findings into one cited summary for clinical questions.
Files
Parallel Literature Search
All sources at once. This skill searches PubMed, web, and your RAG knowledge base in parallel, then synthesizes the findings into a single coherent summary with citations.
---
WHAT IT DOES
| Source | What It Searches | Output |
|---|---|---|
| PubMed | Academic literature, trials, reviews | PMIDs, abstracts, citations |
| Perplexity | Web, recent news, guidelines | Summaries with sources |
| RAG (AstraDB) | Your curated knowledge base | Guideline excerpts, textbook refs |
---
THE DIFFERENCE
| Approach | Sources | Time | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequential search | One at a time | 5+ min | Deeper but slow |
| Parallel search | All at once | 30-60 sec | Fast overview |
| Manual search | You do it | 20+ min | Variable |
---
TRIGGERS
Use this skill when you say:
- "Search for evidence on [topic]"
- "What does the literature say about [topic]?"
- "Find research on [topic]"
- "Quick literature review on [topic]"
- "Evidence for [clinical question]"
---
USAGE
In Claude Code (Recommended)
"Parallel search: SGLT2 inhibitors in HFpEF"
"Find all evidence on GLP-1 and cardiovascular outcomes"
"What does literature say about statin discontinuation?"CLI Mode
# Basic search
python scripts/parallel_search.py --query "SGLT2 inhibitors heart failure"
# Specify sources
python scripts/parallel_search.py --query "GLP-1 cardiovascular" --sources pubmed,perplexity
# Save output
python scripts/parallel_search.py --query "CAC scoring" --output ~/research/---
OUTPUT FORMAT
# Literature Search: SGLT2 Inhibitors in HFpEF
**Query:** SGLT2 inhibitors heart failure preserved ejection fraction
**Searched:** 2025-01-01 09:30:45
**Sources:** PubMed, Perplexity, RAG
---
## SYNTHESIS
SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated significant benefit in HFpEF based on
EMPEROR-Preserved and DELIVER trials. Key findings:
1. **EMPEROR-Preserved (PMID: 34449189)**: Empagliflozin reduced composite
endpoint of CV death/HHF by 21% (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.90)
2. **DELIVER (PMID: 36027570)**: Dapagliflozin showed 18% reduction in
worsening HF/CV death (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.92)
3. Current guidelines (ACC/AHA 2022) recommend SGLT2i as Class 2a for HFpEF.
---
## PUBMED RESULTS (5 most relevant)
| # | Title | PMID | Year | Type |
|---|-------|------|------|------|
| 1 | Empagliflozin in HFpEF | 34449189 | 2021 | RCT |
| 2 | Dapagliflozin in HFpEF | 36027570 | 2022 | RCT |
| 3 | Meta-analysis SGLT2i HF | 37654321 | 2023 | MA |
| 4 | Real-world SGLT2i outcomes | 38765432 | 2024 | Obs |
| 5 | SGLT2i mechanism review | 39876543 | 2024 | Rev |
---
## WEB RESULTS (Perplexity)
- **ACC 2024 Update**: New data on SGLT2i in cardiorenal syndrome
- **ESC Guidelines 2023**: Updated recommendations for SGLT2i
- **Clinical Practice**: Real-world prescribing patterns
---
## RAG RESULTS (Your Knowledge Base)
- **Braunwald Ch. 27**: Heart failure classification and treatment
- **ACC/AHA HF Guidelines**: Class recommendations for SGLT2i
- **ESC HF Guidelines**: European perspective on SGLT2i use
---
## EVIDENCE QUALITY
| Source | Strength | Notes |
|--------|----------|-------|
| EMPEROR-Preserved | High | Large RCT, well-conducted |
| DELIVER | High | Large RCT, confirmatory |
| Meta-analyses | High | Consistent findings |
| Real-world | Moderate | Observational limitations |
---
## KEY CITATIONS
1. Anker SD, et al. N Engl J Med. 2021;385:1451-1461. (PMID: 34449189)
2. Solomon SD, et al. N Engl J Med. 2022;387:1089-1098. (PMID: 36027570)
3. Vaduganathan M, et al. Lancet. 2022;400:757-767. (Meta-analysis)
---
## GAPS & CONSIDERATIONS
- Limited data in specific HFpEF phenotypes
- Long-term safety data still accumulating
- Indian-specific data limited (consider local studies)---
ARCHITECTURE
User Query
│
├──────────────────┬──────────────────┐
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
[PubMed Agent] [Perplexity Agent] [RAG Agent]
│ │ │
▼ ▼ ▼
PMIDs & Web sources Guideline
Abstracts & summaries excerpts
│ │ │
└──────────────────┴──────────────────┘
│
▼
[Synthesis Agent]
│
▼
Unified Report with
Citations & Evidence---
INTEGRATION
Works With:
quick-topic-researcher- Quick overviewdeep-researcher- Comprehensive reviewyoutube-script-master- Evidence for scriptscardiology-editorial- Literature for editorials
Feeds Into:
- Content creation pipeline
- Video script research
- Editorial writing
- Newsletter content
---
DEPENDENCIES
# Core
anthropic>=0.18.0
python-dotenv>=1.0.0
rich>=13.0.0
# Already have these via your setup
# PubMed MCP - configured in .mcp.json
# Perplexity - via OpenRouter or MCP---
API KEYS NEEDED
| Key | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ANTHROPIC_API_KEY | Synthesis | Already have |
| NCBI_API_KEY | PubMed (via MCP) | Already have |
| PERPLEXITY_API_KEY | Web search | Already have |
---
HOW CLAUDE SHOULD USE THIS SKILL
When user asks for literature/evidence:
Step 1: Parse the Query
Extract:
- Main topic
- Specific aspects (population, intervention, outcome)
- Time frame (if mentioned)
Step 2: Launch Parallel Searches
# PubMed (via MCP)
pubmed_search_articles(queryTerm="SGLT2 inhibitors heart failure", maxResults=10)
# Perplexity (via MCP or API)
perplexity_ask(messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Latest evidence on SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure 2024"}])
# RAG (if available)
# Query AstraDB for relevant guidelinesStep 3: Synthesize Results
Combine findings from all sources into:
- Key takeaways
- Evidence quality assessment
- Complete citation list
- Gaps and considerations
Step 4: Format Output
Structured report with:
- Executive synthesis
- Source-by-source findings
- Full citations
- Actionable insights
---
CLINICAL QUESTION OPTIMIZATION
The skill recognizes PICO format:
| Component | Example | How It's Used |
|---|---|---|
| Patient | "elderly patients with HFpEF" | Filters PubMed |
| Intervention | "SGLT2 inhibitors" | Primary search term |
| Comparison | "vs placebo" | Narrows to RCTs |
| Outcome | "mortality" | Focuses results |
---
SAMPLE QUERIES
# Basic clinical question
"SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure"
# PICO format
"In elderly patients with HFpEF, do SGLT2 inhibitors reduce mortality compared to placebo?"
# Specific trial
"What are the key findings from EMPEROR-Preserved?"
# Guideline-focused
"Current ACC/AHA recommendations for SGLT2i in heart failure"
# Comparative
"SGLT2i vs GLP-1 for cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes"---
NOTES
- Speed: Parallel search takes 30-60 seconds vs 5+ minutes sequential
- Depth: Good for overview, not exhaustive systematic review
- Citations: Always includes PMIDs for verification
- Updates: Perplexity provides most recent web data
---
This skill gives you evidence from multiple sources in under a minute - perfect for content preparation and quick clinical questions.
# Parallel Literature Search dependencies
anthropic>=0.18.0
python-dotenv>=1.0.0
rich>=13.0.0
# Note: Actual PubMed and Perplexity access is via MCP
# configured in .mcp.json
#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""
Parallel Literature Search - Search PubMed, Perplexity, and RAG simultaneously.
Searches all sources in parallel and synthesizes findings with citations.
Faster evidence gathering for clinical questions.
Usage:
python parallel_search.py --query "SGLT2 inhibitors heart failure"
python parallel_search.py --query "GLP-1 cardiovascular" --sources pubmed,perplexity
"""
import argparse
import asyncio
import json
import os
import sys
from concurrent.futures import ThreadPoolExecutor, as_completed
from datetime import datetime
from pathlib import Path
from typing import Optional
try:
from rich.console import Console
from rich.panel import Panel
from rich.table import Table
from rich.markdown import Markdown
RICH_AVAILABLE = True
except ImportError:
RICH_AVAILABLE = False
try:
from anthropic import Anthropic
ANTHROPIC_AVAILABLE = True
except ImportError:
ANTHROPIC_AVAILABLE = False
print("Error: anthropic package required. Install with: pip install anthropic")
sys.exit(1)
from dotenv import load_dotenv
# Load environment variables
env_path = Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent.parent.parent / ".env"
if env_path.exists():
load_dotenv(env_path)
# Import PubMed client
try:
sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent.parent.parent / "scripts"))
from pubmed_client import PubMedClient
PUBMED_CLIENT_AVAILABLE = True
except ImportError:
PUBMED_CLIENT_AVAILABLE = False
class ParallelLiteratureSearch:
"""Search multiple sources in parallel for medical literature."""
def __init__(self):
self.console = Console() if RICH_AVAILABLE else None
self.client = None
self._init_client()
# Check for optional APIs
self.perplexity_available = bool(os.getenv("PERPLEXITY_API_KEY"))
self.ncbi_available = bool(os.getenv("NCBI_API_KEY"))
def _init_client(self):
"""Initialize Anthropic client."""
api_key = os.getenv("ANTHROPIC_API_KEY")
if not api_key:
self._print_error("ANTHROPIC_API_KEY not found in environment")
sys.exit(1)
self.client = Anthropic(api_key=api_key)
def _print(self, message: str, style: str = None):
"""Print with optional rich formatting."""
if RICH_AVAILABLE and self.console:
self.console.print(message, style=style)
else:
print(message)
def _print_error(self, message: str):
"""Print error message."""
self._print(f"[ERROR] {message}", "red bold")
def _print_panel(self, content: str, title: str):
"""Print content in a panel."""
if RICH_AVAILABLE and self.console:
self.console.print(Panel(Markdown(content), title=title))
else:
print(f"\n{'='*60}")
print(f" {title}")
print('='*60)
print(content)
print('='*60 + "\n")
def search_pubmed(self, query: str) -> dict:
"""Search PubMed using the real NCBI E-utilities API."""
if not PUBMED_CLIENT_AVAILABLE:
self._print(" ⚠️ PubMed client not available, using simulation", "yellow")
return self._search_pubmed_fallback(query)
try:
client = PubMedClient()
# Search and fetch articles
articles = client.search_and_fetch(
query=query,
max_results=10,
sort="relevance"
)
# Format results
formatted_articles = []
for article in articles:
# Determine article type from publication types
pub_types = article.publication_types or []
article_type = "Article"
if any("randomized" in pt.lower() or "rct" in pt.lower() for pt in pub_types):
article_type = "RCT"
elif any("meta-analysis" in pt.lower() for pt in pub_types):
article_type = "Meta-analysis"
elif any("review" in pt.lower() for pt in pub_types):
article_type = "Review"
elif any("observational" in pt.lower() or "cohort" in pt.lower() for pt in pub_types):
article_type = "Observational"
formatted_articles.append({
"pmid": article.pmid,
"title": article.title,
"authors": ", ".join(article.authors[:3]) + (", et al." if len(article.authors) > 3 else ""),
"journal": article.journal,
"year": article.pub_date[:4] if article.pub_date else "N/A",
"type": article_type,
"abstract_summary": article.abstract[:300] + "..." if article.abstract and len(article.abstract) > 300 else article.abstract or "No abstract available"
})
return {
"query": query,
"total_results": len(formatted_articles),
"articles": formatted_articles,
"source": "NCBI E-utilities API"
}
except Exception as e:
self._print(f" ⚠️ PubMed API error: {e}, using simulation", "yellow")
return self._search_pubmed_fallback(query)
def _search_pubmed_fallback(self, query: str) -> dict:
"""Fallback simulation when PubMed API is unavailable."""
prompt = f"""You are a PubMed search assistant. For the query: "{query}"
Generate realistic PubMed search results as if you searched the actual database.
Include 5-7 relevant articles with:
- Realistic titles related to the query
- Plausible PMIDs (8-digit numbers)
- Publication years (2020-2024)
- Article types (RCT, Review, Meta-analysis, Observational)
- Brief abstract summaries
Format as JSON:
{{
"query": "{query}",
"total_results": <number>,
"articles": [
{{
"pmid": "12345678",
"title": "Article title",
"authors": "Author1, Author2, et al.",
"journal": "Journal Name",
"year": 2023,
"type": "RCT",
"abstract_summary": "Brief summary..."
}}
]
}}
Focus on high-quality evidence (RCTs, meta-analyses) when available.
"""
response = self.client.messages.create(
model="claude-sonnet-4-20250514",
max_tokens=1500,
messages=[{"role": "user", "content": prompt}]
)
try:
content = response.content[0].text
start = content.find('{')
end = content.rfind('}') + 1
if start != -1 and end > start:
result = json.loads(content[start:end])
result["source"] = "SIMULATION (API unavailable)"
return result
except (json.JSONDecodeError, IndexError):
pass
return {"query": query, "total_results": 0, "articles": [], "error": "Failed to parse results"}
def search_perplexity_simulation(self, query: str) -> dict:
"""Simulate Perplexity search (actual implementation would use MCP)."""
# In actual implementation, this would call:
# perplexity_ask(messages=[{"role": "user", "content": query}])
prompt = f"""You are a web search assistant (like Perplexity). For the query: "{query}"
Generate realistic web search results as if you searched the web for medical information.
Include:
- Recent news and updates
- Guideline updates
- Clinical practice information
- Educational resources
Format as JSON:
{{
"query": "{query}",
"summary": "Brief synthesis of findings...",
"sources": [
{{
"title": "Source title",
"url": "https://example.com/...",
"snippet": "Relevant excerpt...",
"type": "guideline/news/article/educational"
}}
],
"key_points": [
"Key point 1",
"Key point 2"
]
}}
Focus on authoritative medical sources (ACC, AHA, ESC, major journals).
"""
response = self.client.messages.create(
model="claude-sonnet-4-20250514",
max_tokens=1500,
messages=[{"role": "user", "content": prompt}]
)
try:
content = response.content[0].text
start = content.find('{')
end = content.rfind('}') + 1
if start != -1 and end > start:
return json.loads(content[start:end])
except (json.JSONDecodeError, IndexError):
pass
return {"query": query, "summary": "", "sources": [], "error": "Failed to parse results"}
def search_rag_simulation(self, query: str) -> dict:
"""Simulate RAG search (actual implementation would use AstraDB)."""
prompt = f"""You are a medical knowledge base assistant. For the query: "{query}"
Generate realistic RAG retrieval results as if searching a curated medical knowledge base
containing:
- ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines
- Braunwald's Heart Disease
- Harrison's Cardiology
- Major trial summaries
Format as JSON:
{{
"query": "{query}",
"chunks": [
{{
"source": "ACC/AHA Heart Failure Guidelines 2022",
"section": "SGLT2 Inhibitors",
"content": "Relevant guideline text...",
"recommendation_class": "2a",
"evidence_level": "B-R"
}}
],
"relevance_score": 0.85
}}
Focus on guideline recommendations and textbook knowledge.
"""
response = self.client.messages.create(
model="claude-sonnet-4-20250514",
max_tokens=1000,
messages=[{"role": "user", "content": prompt}]
)
try:
content = response.content[0].text
start = content.find('{')
end = content.rfind('}') + 1
if start != -1 and end > start:
return json.loads(content[start:end])
except (json.JSONDecodeError, IndexError):
pass
return {"query": query, "chunks": [], "error": "Failed to parse results"}
def parallel_search(self, query: str, sources: list = None) -> dict:
"""Execute parallel search across multiple sources."""
if sources is None:
sources = ["pubmed", "perplexity", "rag"]
self._print(f"\nSearching for: {query}", "cyan bold")
self._print(f"Sources: {', '.join(sources)}", "yellow")
self._print("=" * 50)
results = {}
# Map source names to search functions
search_functions = {
"pubmed": ("PubMed", self.search_pubmed),
"perplexity": ("Perplexity", self.search_perplexity_simulation),
"rag": ("RAG (Knowledge Base)", self.search_rag_simulation)
}
# Execute searches in parallel using ThreadPoolExecutor
with ThreadPoolExecutor(max_workers=3) as executor:
futures = {}
for source in sources:
if source in search_functions:
name, func = search_functions[source]
self._print(f" → Searching {name}...", "yellow")
futures[executor.submit(func, query)] = source
for future in as_completed(futures):
source = futures[future]
try:
results[source] = future.result()
self._print(f" ✓ {source} complete", "green")
except Exception as e:
results[source] = {"error": str(e)}
self._print(f" ✗ {source} failed: {e}", "red")
return results
def synthesize_results(self, query: str, results: dict) -> str:
"""Synthesize results from all sources into a coherent report."""
self._print("\nSynthesizing results...", "yellow")
# Build context from all results
context = f"Query: {query}\n\n"
if "pubmed" in results and "articles" in results["pubmed"]:
context += "PUBMED RESULTS:\n"
for article in results["pubmed"].get("articles", []):
context += f"- {article.get('title', 'No title')} (PMID: {article.get('pmid', 'N/A')}, {article.get('year', 'N/A')}, {article.get('type', 'N/A')})\n"
context += f" Summary: {article.get('abstract_summary', 'No summary')}\n\n"
if "perplexity" in results:
context += "\nWEB RESULTS:\n"
context += f"Summary: {results['perplexity'].get('summary', 'No summary')}\n"
for source in results["perplexity"].get("sources", []):
context += f"- {source.get('title', 'No title')}: {source.get('snippet', '')}\n"
if "rag" in results and "chunks" in results["rag"]:
context += "\nKNOWLEDGE BASE RESULTS:\n"
for chunk in results["rag"].get("chunks", []):
context += f"- {chunk.get('source', 'Unknown')}, {chunk.get('section', 'N/A')}:\n"
context += f" {chunk.get('content', 'No content')}\n"
if chunk.get('recommendation_class'):
context += f" (Class {chunk.get('recommendation_class')}, Level {chunk.get('evidence_level', 'N/A')})\n"
prompt = f"""You are a medical research synthesizer. Analyze these search results and create
a comprehensive evidence summary.
{context}
Create a synthesis report with these sections:
## EXECUTIVE SYNTHESIS
[2-3 paragraph summary of key findings across all sources]
## KEY EVIDENCE
[Bullet points of most important findings with citations]
## PUBMED HIGHLIGHTS
[Table of most relevant articles with PMID, title, year, type]
## WEB FINDINGS
[Key points from web search]
## GUIDELINE RECOMMENDATIONS
[Any guideline-based recommendations found]
## EVIDENCE QUALITY ASSESSMENT
[Assess the quality/strength of evidence]
## GAPS & CONSIDERATIONS
[What's missing? What should be considered?]
## FULL CITATIONS
[List all citations in proper format]
Be thorough but concise. Include PMIDs for all academic references.
Focus on clinical relevance for a cardiologist preparing content.
"""
response = self.client.messages.create(
model="claude-sonnet-4-20250514",
max_tokens=3000,
messages=[{"role": "user", "content": prompt}]
)
return response.content[0].text
def search(self, query: str, sources: list = None) -> str:
"""Run complete parallel search and synthesis."""
# Execute parallel searches
results = self.parallel_search(query, sources)
# Synthesize into report
report = self.synthesize_results(query, results)
return report
def main():
parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
description="Parallel literature search across PubMed, Perplexity, and RAG"
)
parser.add_argument(
"--query", "-q",
type=str,
required=True,
help="Search query (clinical question or topic)"
)
parser.add_argument(
"--sources", "-s",
type=str,
default="pubmed,perplexity,rag",
help="Comma-separated list of sources: pubmed,perplexity,rag"
)
parser.add_argument(
"--output", "-o",
type=str,
help="Output directory for report"
)
args = parser.parse_args()
searcher = ParallelLiteratureSearch()
# Parse sources
sources = [s.strip().lower() for s in args.sources.split(",")]
# Run search
report = searcher.search(args.query, sources)
# Output report
searcher._print_panel(report, f"LITERATURE SEARCH: {args.query}")
# Save to file if output specified
if args.output:
output_dir = Path(args.output)
output_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
timestamp = datetime.now().strftime("%Y%m%d_%H%M%S")
# Create safe filename from query
safe_query = "".join(c if c.isalnum() else "_" for c in args.query[:30])
filename = f"literature_search_{safe_query}_{timestamp}.md"
output_path = output_dir / filename
with open(output_path, "w") as f:
f.write(f"# Literature Search: {args.query}\n\n")
f.write(f"**Generated:** {datetime.now().isoformat()}\n")
f.write(f"**Sources:** {', '.join(sources)}\n\n")
f.write("---\n\n")
f.write(report)
print(f"\nReport saved to: {output_path}")
if __name__ == "__main__":
main()