On Doctoring MEDLINE searches, with reference librarian comments, March 2000

The question was

What are the effects of EPO on athletic performance enhancement?

1     *Erythropoietin/    results=3549   
2     limit 1 to (human and english language)    results=2720   
3     *"Physical education and training"/ or *Sports/ or Exercise/    results=16901   
4     limit 3 to english language    results=15483   
5     2 and 4    results= 29   
6     from 5 keep 1,3,9,14,18,23-24,26,29    results= 9   

Reference Librarian comments

You did a fine job. I would usually "explode" the various Medical subject headings (MeSH terms) that you use, but it's clear that you are thinking nicely in MEDLINE. I tried the search and didn't get lots more than you did. See below. Thanks for participating in the exercise.

Medline 1991 to January 2000

#
Search History
Results
1
exp *erythropoietin/
4097
2
exp "Physical education and training"/
2054
3
exp sports/ or exp exercise/
28264
4
1 and (2 or 3)
37
5
limit 4 to (human and english language)
35