Building a query can be viewed as a process of formulating a specific question and then translating that question into a structured language that a search engine, database, or software can understand. This often requires a deep understanding of the topic in question as well as some level of knowledge about the specific way in which the targeted system parses and interprets queries.
1. Identify the research question: You are interested in the effectiveness of cupping therapy for treating conditions like fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome.
2. Break down the question into concepts and keywords: In this case, your primary concepts are the intervention (cupping) and the conditions (fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome). Each of these concepts can be represented by several keywords or phrases. For example, "cupping" might also be known as "hijama" or "baguan".
3. Organize the keywords: Here's where the magic happens. By combining the keywords in a particular way, you can create a query that captures the precise information you're looking for. You might use parentheses to group related terms together, quotation marks to indicate specific phrases, and tags like MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) to leverage the powerful search tools provided by databases like PubMed.
NestingThe use of parentheses ( ) in a query denotes that everything within the parentheses should be treated as a unit. This is particularly useful when you have synonyms for a single concept. For instance, (acupuncture OR moxibustion) is saying "Find resources that contain either the term 'acupuncture' or 'moxibustion'".
Phrasing
Quotation marks "" in a query denote a specific phrase or sequence of words that must appear exactly as it is. For instance, "poly cystic ovary syndrome" will look for that exact phrase.
MeSH, or Medical Subject Headings, is a controlled vocabulary used by PubMed and other databases to categorize and index medical literature. By including MeSH terms in your query, you can access this wealth of organization and make your search more precise. In your case, you could use the MeSH terms for cupping therapy, fibromyalgia, and myofascial pain syndrome.
This query building process is an art that requires practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find it incredibly powerful for conducting targeted, effective research.
Step by Step Example
Your interest in the effectiveness of cupping therapy for conditions like fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome requires a targeted search of the available medical research. To conduct this search effectively, you'll need to construct a query that precisely describes the information you're looking for. This involves several steps.
1. Listing the components of your query: This is where you identify the key concepts that will form the basis of your query. In this case, you're interested in "cupping therapy," "myofascial pain syndromes," and "fibromyalgia." You've also chosen to use MeSH Terms to add specificity to your query, resulting in the following initial list of components:
- "cupping therapy"[MeSH Terms]
- "myofascial pain syndromes"[MeSH Terms]
- "fibromyalgia"[MeSH Terms]
2. Nesting concepts with similar meanings: Next, you can use parentheses to group together the terms that represent similar concepts. This step can help ensure that your query captures all the relevant information, regardless of the specific term used in a particular resource. In this case, both "myofascial pain syndromes" and "fibromyalgia" represent conditions that might be treated with cupping therapy, so you might nest them together in your query like this:
"cupping therapy"[MeSH] ("myofascial pain syndromes"[MeSH] "fibromyalgia"[MeSH])
3. Connecting keywords with logical operators: Finally, you can use logical operators (like AND and OR) to connect your keywords and specify the relationship between them. The AND operator tells the search engine that both terms should be present in the resources you're looking for, while the OR operator specifies that either term is sufficient. In your case, you're looking for resources that discuss the use of cupping therapy for either myofascial pain syndromes or fibromyalgia, so you would construct your final query like this:
"cupping therapy"[MeSH] AND ("myofascial pain syndromes"[MeSH] OR "fibromyalgia"[MeSH])
This final query accurately represents your research question and is ready to be input into a search engine or database. With these steps, you've turned your question into a structured query that can help you find the specific information you're interested in.
Quiz)
Build a query for the following question
Struggling with plantar fasciitis, I became curious about how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches the treatment of this condition.
1. Concepts
Condition: "plantar fasciitis"
Treatment: "Traditional Chinese Medicine" / "TCM")
2. Keywords
"fasciitis, plantar"[MeSH Terms]
The keyword for '"Traditional Chinese Medicine" / "TCM") treatment' can be very broad, including all kinds of TCM treatment modalities like following;
- moxibustion[MeSH Terms]
- acupuncture[MeSH Terms]
- "cupping therapy"[MeSH Terms]
- "Drugs, Chinese Herbal"[MeSH Terms]
3. Final query with operators
"fasciitis, plantar"[MeSH Terms] AND ("moxibustion"[MeSH Terms] OR acupuncture[mesh] OR cupping therapy[mesh] OR "Drugs, Chinese Herbal"[mesh] OR "Medicine, Chinese Traditional"[mesh])
Practice
Try to build queries for PubMED for the following questions;
- Intrigued by Tai Chi, I found myself wanting to delve deeper into this ancient Chinese martial art. Eager to understand its graceful movements, principles, and potential benefits, I embarked on a quest to explore the world of Tai Chi. Immersed in research, I sought to uncover the essence of Tai Chi, its origins rooted in Taoist philosophy, and the harmony it brings to both the body and mind.
- Curious about the mechanism behind acupuncture's effects, I embarked on a quest to understand how it works. Intrigued by its therapeutic potential, I delved into research, seeking out scientific studies and expert insights to unravel the mysteries of acupuncture's mechanism of action.
- Captivated by the claims of Chinese jujube's efficacy in treating insomnia, I embarked on a quest to uncover the scientific evidence behind this traditional remedy. Driven by a desire for reliable information, I delved into scientific studies in PubMed.
- After experiencing acupuncture, Tom became curious about the actual effectiveness of acupuncture and herbal medicine in treating depression.
- Curious about the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating conditions like spinal disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spinal disorders, I embarked on a quest for answers. Intrigued by the potential benefits, I delved into research, seeking out scientific studies
- After watching a documentary about intermittent fasting on TV, I became intrigued and decided to search for scientific evidence on whether intermittent fasting can truly aid in weight loss. Curious about its potential benefits, I embarked on a quest to explore the realm of pubmed and gather information regarding the effectiveness of intermittent fasting in achieving my weight loss goals.