MeSH RDF and Lookup API (NLM)

MeSH RDF and Lookup API (NLM)

NLM's Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) vocabulary as linked data: an RDF N-Triples download, a SPARQL endpoint and a RESTful lookup interface for descriptors, concepts and terms (id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh). Distinct from ncbi-eutilities-pubmed, which searches PubMed records.

Coverage

The MeSH biomedical vocabulary: descriptors, qualifiers, concepts, entry terms and their relationships. The documentation says: "MeSH RDF is updated nightly." MeSH translations are outside these terms: "Use of MeSH Translation (MTMS) files is not covered under the NLM Terms and Conditions for MeSH data."

Verdict

Keyless SPARQL endpoint, lookup API and N-Triples download for NLM's MeSH vocabulary. Licensed Custom (NLM Terms and Conditions for MeSH data): "NLM freely provides MeSH data." "Users of the data agree to: acknowledge NLM as the source of the data in a clear and conspicuous manner, not indicate or imply that NLM has endorsed its products/services/applications." Redistributors also agree to "maintain the most current version of all distributed data, or make known in a clear and conspicuous manner that the products/services/applications do not reflect the most current/accurate data available from NLM and/or identify the version of MeSH being used." Rate limits: the acceptable use policy says: "To avoid overloading the servers, NLM requires that users of the MeSH RDF beta SPARQL endpoint service send no more than 500 requests per minute per IP address." Signal Lab links only.