PubMed @ UMSL: Beyond Basics

Start with a simple subject search, being as specific as you can.

EXAMPLE: dry mouth cpap ventilation

• PubMed automatically translates terms into controlled vocabulary (Medical Subject Headings, or MeSH terms) whenever possible.
• A search for dry mouth cpap ventilation will find results that include dry mouth and its corresponding MeSH term xerostomia, as well as cpap ventilation and its MeSH term continuous positive airway pressure. Note: PubMed does not know how to translate cpap alone (without the word ventilation), but it will still search for cpap as a keyword.

Author search: Lastname FM [au]

EXAMPLE: Smith JB [au]

• First names are included in PubMed only for references added since 2002.
• Greatest accurate retrieval using last name and 2 initials.

Title search: Use the code [ti]

EXAMPLE: fissure sealants [ti]

• Good way to narrow your list of results if you don’t need to be comprehensive.

Truncation: Use the asterisk symbol * at the end of a word

EXAMPLE: isolat*
(retrieves isolate, isolated, isolating, isolation, etc.)

• Allows for different forms of a word, such as plurals, British spellings, or different verb tenses.
• Warning: Using the asterisk prevents PubMed from automatically translating your search to MeSH terms.

Combine terms using AND, OR, NOT (capitalized)

EXAMPLE: (pharmacogenetics OR pharmacogenomics) AND (hepatitis C)

• Include synonyms with OR.
• Tell PubMed where one concept ends and another begins by using AND.
• Enclose each concept in a set of parentheses.

Phrase search: Enclose a phrase in quotation marks

EXAMPLE: “single cell”

EXAMPLE: “data driven”

• Useful if there is no good MeSH term.
• Also useful for locating very recent, unindexed references.
• Only retrieves references where your exact phrase is used.
• Not comprehensive. Only works for select, frequently occurring phrases.
• Warning: Will interfere with PubMed’s automatic term mapping.

• Narrow your search by language, publication date, sex, age, full-text availability, and article type (clinical trial, review).
• Non-default filters can be found by expanding the Additional Filters area

• Shows exactly how your search strategy was interpreted by PubMed.
• Identify useful MeSH terms.
• See what went wrong if your search results are not what you expected.
• Edit the search details and rerun your search.

• Save searches and set up email alerts.
• Create collections of references.
• Customize filters and site preferences.
• Use My Bibliography to manage your publications for NIH funding compliance.

• VPN is a tool that makes your computer think it is physically at UMSL.
• VPN is the most complete solution and provides reliable, secure, encrypted access; works with nearly all resources.

Only Have a Minute?

Search for words you’d see in a “dream title.” Make sure results are sorted by Best Match.

• The Best Match algorithm helps you find a few highly relevant references quickly. (Sorting by Publication Date is also an option.)

Steps for Building a Thorough Search Strategy

1. Find 2 or 3 good references and see what MeSH terms were used to describe them.
2. Build a strategy using MeSH terms along with individual words or phrases as needed.
3. Apply filters such as Randomized Control Trial, Free Full Text, Nursing Journals, or a date range.

• By starting with 2 or 3 good references, you can find more like them.
• Using MeSH terms for key concepts will retrieve more relevant references.
• Refine your search by adding MeSH terms, adding your own words, or applying filters until you get a reasonable number of relevant references.

Identify MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) terms using the MeSH Database or a relevant reference.

EXAMPLE: Antibodies, Monoclonal [Mesh]
Finds references on monoclonal antibodies in general and specifically named mAbs, e.g., trastuzumab (Herceptin).

EXAMPLE: Cohort Studies [Mesh]
Finds references on various types of cohort studies, e.g., longitudinal and prospective studies.

• Zero in on references where your topic is a significant focus of the article.
• MeSH terms let you include several related terms under one umbrella term.
• Combine two or more MeSH terms to narrow your search.
• Note: The most recently added references may not yet be indexed with MeSH terms.

Use MeSH Subheadings if appropriate

EXAMPLE: HIV Infections/prevention and control [Mesh]

• When selecting a MeSH term, you can further limit your search to a particular aspect of that subject, e.g., economics, drug therapy, or epidemiology.
• Available subheadings will vary for each MeSH term.

Use Advanced Search mode for modifying, combining, or excluding past searches.

EXAMPLE: #5 NOT #3
(if you looked at the results from search #3)

• Exclude references you’ve already reviewed.
• Try different combinations and modifications of past searches.
• Build a strategy using pull-down menus.