# Article Search The Article Search page gives you full access to the [biologit MLM-AI database](https://www.biologit.com/database) with a familiar interface and advanced features to design, preview and test your searches. You can also seamlessly [create Monitors](#create-monitors-from-searches) from your search string. {% embed url="" %} ## Creating Searches Search strings can be composed using logical operators like `AND`,`OR`, `NOT`. * Use the `(` and `)` brackets to group terms together * To search for matches of a multi-word term use quotes. Ex: `"liver damage"` * You can end a term with `*` to match similar words. * Ex: `pregnan*` will match pregnant, pregnancy, pregnancies... Examples: | Goal | Example Query | | ------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Search for any query terms with an `OR` query | `acetaminophen OR paracetamol OR panadol` | | Search for multi-word terms with quotes | `"liver damage" OR "liver toxicity"` | | Search for keywords `AND` the presence of one or more events | (`acetaminophen OR paracetamol OR panadol) AND (`"`liver damage" OR "liver toxicity" OR "liver failure")` | ### Auto-Expansion of Medication Names Selecting a medication keyword with the mouse will display the "Expand" icon. Clicking on it will bring up a list of synonyms for selection. These will be included back in the query as an `OR` section:

(1) Click the expand icon to see known synonyms

(3) The search string now expanded with the selected synonyms

### Select Dates and Source Databases

Use the Start/End dates to specify the date range to search. This will retrieve articles by **publication or entry date** within the date range. Alternatively use the range buttons to quickly select last week, month or year. Each data source available can be toggled using the selectors. ### Advanced Query Editor More complex searches can be edited in a larger view by clicking the advanced button

This view also performs syntax checking as you type.

### Adverse Terms and Query Strings In MLM-AI, adverse events are captured by [AI tags indicative of suspected events, animal studies and special situations](/topics/ai-enabled-screening-workflows.md). The AI tags are designed to replace long lists of adverse "keywords" such as `adverse event`, `adverse reaction`, etc. Where possible it is recommended to use the AI tags in place of explicit lists of adverse terms. ### Query String Limits Queries are limited to 1,000 results. When this limit is reached you will be informed with the warning below. Try reducing results with a shorter date range or a less broad query.

## Comparison Mode When designing a query string it is important to understand the impact of adding and removing query terms. Use the **Compare tab** to perform analysis of results between two searches. The example below evaluates differences between an open query and a more restrictive one (with `AND` clause). Click on the image to expand:

## Analyze Mode Finally, it is also important to estimate the expected volume of hits from the query string to help users understand and plan for screening effort, in particular for periodic searches. The **Analyze tab** automates this analysis and presents estimated hits obtained from historical periods. The example below illustrates weekly volumes for a sample search over a 2 month period.

## Create Monitors from Searches When your search is ready a [Monitor](/configuration/monitor-configuration.md) can be created directly from this page using the *same search string and databases selected*. Clicking the "pill" button will direct to the Monitor configuration page, where additional monitor details can be entered.

The monitor configuration is similar to the default [monitor configuration steps](https://docs.biologit.com/configuration/monitor-configuration) only the search string and database information will be pre-loaded into the monitor creation form. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.biologit.com/application/article-search.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.