| Syntax | Search Field | Example |
|---|---|---|
| :ab | Abstract | pain:ab |
| :ti | Title | pain:ti |
| :ti,ab | Title or Abstract | pain:ti,ab |
| :kw | Author Keywords | pain:kw |
| :py | Publication Year | 2024:py |
| /exp | Exploded Emtree Terms | limb pain/exp |
For full list of search fields: https://service.elsevier.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/17331/supporthub/embase/#fieldcodes
The list of search fields is also available in the Embase Advanced Search. Then, click on Fields.
Boolean Searching
| Boolean Operator | Example | Function |
|---|---|---|
| AND | pain AND hip | Both terms must be present in results. |
| OR | pain OR headache | Results will contain either term. |
| NOT | pain NOT morphine | Eliminates a term from results. |
Proximity Searching
| Proximity Operator | Example | Results |
|---|---|---|
| NEAR/n | pain NEAR/3 hip |
Results will contain the words within 3 words of each other - either direction. It will retrieve phrases like: hip pain, hip and knee pain, pain following hip fractures, hip-related pain, pain following hip surgery |
| NEXT/n | pain NEXT/3 hip |
Results will contain the words within 3 words of each other but in that exact order. It would retrieve pain after hip arthroplasty but not hip pain. |
To search a proximity operator within specific search fields, just surround the phrase with parentheses.
(hip NEAR/3 pain):ti,ab,kw
Unlike PubMed, you can also search more complex proximity phrases.
((hip or back) NEAR/3 (pain OR ache)):ti,ab,kw
Wildcards and Truncation Symbols
| Symbol | Result |
|---|---|
| * |
Retrieves varied endings of words. Example: pharmaco* retrieves terms like pharmacological, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, and pharmacodynamics. It would not retrieve pharmacy. |
| ? |
Use for only a single letter truncation. Example: wom?n retrieves both woman or women. |
| $ |
Will replace 0 or 1 character. Example: group$ will retrieve group or groups. It will not retrieve grouping. |
Phrase Searching
If two words must appear side by side, surround the phrase with single quotation marks.
'United States'
'bone density'
There are several ways to search for information on herbal supplements. Beyond keywords and Emtree terms, Embase also offers EMA's MLM searches. EMA refers to the European Medicines Agency and MLM refers to Medical Literature Monitoring. To access:
1. Start at the homepage for Embase.
2. Click on PV Wizard. It is located below the blue ribbon. PV stands for Pharmacovigilance.
3. On the right side, look for the EMA's MLM searches
4. Select Herbal Substances Groups
5. Locate your herbal supplement from the drop-down list.
6. Check the box beside the appropriate term. Click on Rerun query.
Emtree is equivalent to PubMed's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings). Emtree terms are the controlled vocabulary. If you run a Quick Search in Embase, like hip pain, you will notice that Embase translated that search to: 'hip pain'/exp OR 'hip pain' OR (('hip'/exp OR hip) AND ('pain'/exp OR pain)). In the Quick Search, Embase automatically searches for the appropriate Emtree terms. The 'hip pain'/exp is the Emtree term.
To learn more about the Emtree term, select Emtree above the blue ribbon at the top of the page. Then, enter a term and search. If you enter Dilantin, you are prompted to use: phenytoin. Just click on that term to continue. You can see that phenytoin is located on several branches in Emtree. On the right side of the screen, you will see synonyms for phenytoin. When ready, you can click on the Show results to take you to the results page.
Check out the different search options available to you. Be sure to check out the PICO, PV Wizard and the Drug search options. In the Drug search, you can quickly limit your drug search to a particular route.