Bases de datos relevantes para el campo farmaceútico: Ejemplo

Using Boolean operators in database searches is a common method to refine and narrow down search results, especially in specialized fields like pharmacy. Boolean operators include AND, OR, and NOT, and they help in combining or excluding keywords in a search. Here’s a simple example of how to use these operators for a pharmacy-related database search:

Scenario:

Suppose you're interested in finding research articles related to the effects of a specific drug (like Metformin) on diabetes, but you want to exclude studies that focus on side effects.

Search Query Using Boolean Operators:

1. Basic Search Using AND:

   • Objective: Find articles that discuss both Metformin and diabetes.
   • Query:

     Metformin AND diabetes

   • Explanation: This search will return articles that mention both "Metformin" and "diabetes." It will exclude any articles that mention only one of the two terms.

2. Expanded Search Using OR:

   • Objective: Broaden the search to include articles that discuss either Metformin or other anti-diabetic drugs in relation to diabetes.
   • Query:

     (Metformin OR "anti-diabetic drugs") AND diabetes

   • Explanation: The use of OR between "Metformin" and "anti-diabetic drugs" allows the search to find articles that mention either term, in combination with "diabetes."

3. Exclusion Using NOT:

   • Objective: Find articles on Metformin and diabetes but exclude those that focus on side effects.
   • Query;

     Metformin AND diabetes NOT "side effects"

   • Explanation: This search will return articles that mention both "Metformin" and "diabetes" but will exclude any articles that also contain the phrase "side effects."

4. Using Wildcards and Phrase Searching:

   • Objective: Find articles about different formulations of Metformin and its effects on type 2 diabetes.
   • Query:

     Metformin* AND "type 2 diabetes"

   • Explanation: The asterisk * acts as a wildcard, capturing variations such as "Metformin," "Metformin XR," etc. The use of quotes around "type 2 diabetes" ensures that the search engine looks for this exact phrase.

5. Combining Multiple Operators:

   • Objective: Find articles about Metformin, focusing on diabetes treatment but avoiding side effects and pediatric studies.
   • Query:

     (Metformin AND diabetes) NOT ("side effects" OR pediatric)

   • Explanation: This query will return results that mention both "Metformin" and "diabetes," exclude those discussing "side effects" or related to "pediatric" cases.