def update_empty_fields(self, **kwargs):
        """Updates the field of info about an OTU that might not be filled in by a match_names or taxon call."""
        if self._is_deprecated is None:
            self._is_deprecated = kwargs.get('is_deprecated')
        if self._is_dubious is None:
            self._is_dubious = kwargs.get('is_dubious')
        if self._is_synonym is None:
            self._is_synonym = kwargs.get('is_synonym')
        if self._synonyms is _EMPTY_TUPLE:
            self._synonyms = kwargs.get('synonyms')
            if self._synonyms is None:
                self._synonyms = _EMPTY_TUPLE
        if self.rank is None:
            self._rank = kwargs.get('rank')
        if self._nomenclature_code:
            self._nomenclature_code = kwargs.get('nomenclature_code')
        if not self._unique_name:
            self._unique_name = kwargs.get('unique_name')
        if self._taxonomic_lineage is None:
            self._taxonomic_lineage = kwargs.get('taxonomic_lineage')
        if self._parent is None:
            self._parent = kwargs.get('parent')
            if self._parent is None and self._taxomachine_wrapper is not None and self._taxonomic_lineage:
                self._fill_parent_attr()