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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advance the debate on “cosmopolitanism or globalization” by approaching this rich literature from cultural, ethical and governance angles, and by introducing key notions from the work that has taken place in the natural sciences, around the Anthropocene. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on analytical tactics that draw on a literature review and thematic analysis. Findings The composite analytical “lens” is introduced here (crafted around cultural, ethical and governance angles) to approach the debate on “cosmopolitanism or globalization” plus the engagement with the literature on the Anthropocene, allow us to engage with current understandings of the global and the “planetary” that are at the heart of cosmopolitanism. Research limitations/implications The paper deals with and merges two complex streams of literature (“cosmopolitanism or globalization” and the Anthropocene), and as such, needs to be seen as part of an initial, exploratory scholarly effort. Practical implications The analytical “lens” described here shall be of further use to develop current trends re-claiming cosmopolitanism for the study of organizations. Social implications This work can help nurture a cosmopolitan sensitivity which celebrates difference, highlights expanded concerns for the “distant other” and fosters involvement in new forms of governance. Originality/value The approaches introduced here bring new angles to continue thinking about the planet as the “cosmos” of cosmopolitanism, and to explore new understandings around organizations and (global) responsibility.

Cellular adhesion molecules are crucial determinants of the migration of immune effector cells to the tissues. In chronic inflammatory diseases, upregulation of the expression of these molecules may contribute to the persistent inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is evidence of adhesion molecule expression in chronically inflamed lung. Soluble adhesion molecules in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay in 54 patients with chronic interstitial lung diseases and 16 normal controls. Adhesion molecule expression in fibrosing alveolitis (FA) lung and in control lung was assessed using immunohistology and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was detected in all but two subjects. There was no difference in ICAM-1 concentration between disease groups and normal subjects. In contrast, soluble E-selectin was detected in 17 of the 70 subjects and was significantly associated with the presence of lung disease (p=0.0173). Furthermore, the presence of soluble E-selectin was associated with a raised lymphocyte percentage in BALF (p=0.0069). Soluble VCAM was only detected in five of the 70 subjects (two normals, three patients). There was no difference in adhesion molecule expression in lung parenchyma between FA and controls assessed by immunohistology and RT-PCR. The most striking finding of our study was the universal expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in both normal and diseased lung, emphasizing the important role of the lung in immune function. Upregulation of E-selectin may contribute to inflammatory cell accumulation in chronic interstitial lung diseases.

Our observations confirm the existence of ICAM-1 in the pig and provide novel insights into how porcine and human endothelial cells differ in terms of adhesion molecule expression and cytokine responsiveness. Such differences are potentially important in interpreting models of inflammation in the pig and also in understanding the process of rejection of porcine xenografts.