In this paper we present some new identities for multiple poly-logarithms (abbr. MPLs) and multiple harmonic star sums (abbr. MHSSs) by using the methods of iterated integral computations of logarithm functions. Then, by applying these formulas obtained, we establish some explicit relations between Kaneko-Yamamoto type multiple zeta values (abbr. K-Y MZVs), multiple zeta values (abbr. MZVs) and MPLs. Further, we find some explicit relations between MZVs and multiple zeta star values (abbr. MZSVs). Furthermore, we define an Apery-type variant of MZSVs zeta(B)*(k) (called multiple zeta B-star values, abbr. MZBSVs) which involve MHSSs and central binomial coefficients, and establish some explicit connections among MZVs, alternating MZVs and MZBSVs by using the method of iterated integrals. Finally, some interesting consequences and illustrative examples are presented. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.